PennDot Hosting Public Meeting for I-80 Bridge Tolling Plan

A project to replace and widen the Interstate 80 Nescopeck Creek Bridges in lower Luzerne County is proposed to begin in 2023. To help pay for this work, PennDOT is planning to implement a toll on the West bound lanes of the bridge. An in-person public meeting to discuss the project is scheduled for Tuesday, Dec. 7 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Nescopeck Social Hall, 510 Zenith Rd., Nescopeck.

An on-demand virtual public meeting for the project is also available through Dec. 15, clicking the virtual public meeting link.

This bridge replacement project is one of nine along Pennsylvania interstates where PennDOT plans to implement tolling. The Public Private Partnership (P3) law adopted in 2012 authorized the establishment of such partnerships to assist in funding road and bridge repairs across the Commonwealth. Senate Bill 382 would void these current plans and prescribe a more open and transparent process for P3 projects. Specifically, a detailed analysis would have to be developed prior to any consideration by the P3 board, and a 30-day public comment period would be held following publication of the project in the Pennsylvania Bulletin. Additionally, any P3 project that includes a user fee would require legislative approval. The House passed the bill in November, and it is awaiting further consideration in the Senate.