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    Federal Highway Administration Issues a Finding of No Significant Impact for the PennDOT Interstate 81 Section 316 Ashley to Arena Project

    August 28, 2024

    Dunmore, PA - The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) issued a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) for the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation’s (PennDOT) Interstate 81 Section 316 Ashley to Arena Project.  An Environmental Assessment (EA) was prepared for the project and shared with the public for review and comment from March 11 through April 12, 2024.​

    All comments received during the public comment period were given equal consideration and are addressed in the FONSI document, which can be found on the project website at https://bit.ly/I81ashleytoarenaproject.  The EA, which was prepared in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act, examined the potential impacts to the natural, social, economic, and cultural resources from this project and alternatives under consideration.

    With the issuance of the FONSI, the Interstate 81 Section 316 Ashley to Arena Project can now move forward into final design, right-of-way acquisition, procurement, and construction.

    About the Project

    The project is a 7.5-mile reconstruction of I-81 from Hanover Township to Wilkes-Barre Township in Luzerne County between milepost 161.2 north of the Nuangola exit and milepost 169 north of exit 168, Highland Park Boulevard. The selected alternative includes widening I-81 from four lanes to six lanes, interchange and ramp upgrades, bridge replacements, noise barriers, stormwater management, and environmental mitigation commitments.

    The EA and FONSI documents along with project mapping and anticipated schedule can be viewed by visiting the project website:  https://bit.ly/I81ashleytoarenaproject.

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