CP1 Construction to Include "traffic calming" measures" on Princeton Avenue

Construction of the new State Road on-ramp under the first phase of the project to improve the I-95/Cottman Avenue Interchange (I-95/CP1) will allow PennDOT to remove the existing southbound on-ramp from Princeton Avenue. 

With the ramp removed, Princeton Avenue will be converted into a two-way road between Torresdale Avenue and State Road. A number of traffic-calming features – bicycle lanes, new sidewalks, curb bulbouts – also will be installed along the converted stretch of Princeton Avenue.

What is "traffic calming"? Go here to find out more.

Historical Overview 

The numerous structures and other resources within the project area that are considered historic require PennDOT to complete a Historic Resources Survey and Determination of Eligibility Report as part of the project development process for the new Cottman/Princeton Interchange of I-95. Also required is a follow-up study - a Determination of Effects Report - that will assess the effects that the proposed interchange redesign and realignment will have on the historic resources.

The potential for right-of-way acquisition from public parks, recreational areas, or historic properties* also requires that PennDOT complete a Section 4(f) Evaluation for the Cottman/Princeton Interchange project. The Section 4(f) Evaluation will be submitted for review after regulatory agencies approve the Determination of Effect Report.

(*Special attention is being given to Russo Park and to the historic resources adjacent to proposed improvement areas that are eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places. Section 4(f) of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) permits the use of publicly-owned parks, recreational areas, wildlife or waterfowl refuges, or any significant historic sites for transportation use only when it has been determined that

• There is no feasible and prudent alternative to such use, and
• The project includes all possible planning to minimize harm to the property resulting from such use. 
  

Status: The Historic Resources Survey and Determination of Eligibility Report has been reviewed by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission (PHMC). The Determination of Effects Report is currently being prepared. Preparation of the Section 4(f) Evaluation has begun. A draft version of the Section 4(f) Report will be submitted after submission of the draft Determination of Effects Report.

Archaeological studies are also necessary to ascertain the location of significant historic and prehistoric archaeological sites within the study area. 

Status: A Phase IA Archaeological Survey has been completed within areas of proposed disturbance.  

Other Environmental and Natural Studies: Other environmental and natural resources studies for the Cottman/Princeton Interchange project are focused mainly on hazardous and residual waste sites within the project area. A Phase I Environmental Site Assessment studying the presence of known or suspected contaminated sites was completed for the study area. The Site Assessment resulted in a recommendation to complete a more detailed Phase II Environmental Site Assessment. 

Due to a lack of wetlands and waterways within the project study area, a Letter of No Wetland Finding was completed. If there were wetlands and waterways present in the project area, PennDOT would have to complete a Waters of the United States Identification and Delineation Report. 

Status: The Phase I Environmental Site Assessment is still under review by PennDOT. A Phase II Environmental Site Assessment study will be conducted during final design phase of the project. 

Environmental Overview

NEPA: The Foundation of Our Environmental Commitment

The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969 requires federal agencies to consider the consequences of their programs, policies and projects on the environment. NEPA is considered the national charter for protection of the environment. It identifies broad environmental policies and requires an interdisciplinary approach to planning and decision-making.

The regulations developed under NEPA require different levels of environmental assessment based on the magnitude of impacts that are expected under any specific project, such as those currently underway on I-95. Projects expected to have  significant environmental impacts usually require an Environmental Impact StatementCategorical Exclusion Evaluation (EIS). Projects projected to have with lesser impacts usually require a (CEE). Projects expected to have no environmental impacts require an Environmental Assessment (EA).

Section CPR qualifies for a CEE.

Public Involvement, along with coordination with various federal, state and local agencies, is integral to the NEPA process. This fosters strong communication and facilitates the review and approval of projects. Equally important is the exchange of information between the project team and the public. A public involvement program is essential to address public concerns and avoid controversy. Actively engaging citizens and public officials affected by a project to participate in the planning process is a key to the success of the project.

Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act

The United States Congress, in the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA), developed a comprehensive program to preserve the historical and cultural foundations of the nation. Section 106 of the NHPA requires that federal agencies such as the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) consider the effects of their actions on historic resources. Section 106 also provides consulting parties (individuals and organizations with a demonstrated interest in the project) an opportunity to comment on federally funded projects.

As stated by the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (ACHP), Section 106 ensures that preservation is considered during project planning. For highway and bridge projects in Pennsylvania, this generally is done during the Preliminary Engineering stage of project development.

With all transportation projects involving historic resources, PennDOT first evaluates whether or not it can avoid impacting the historical or cultural resource altogether. If it cannot, options that would minimization the impact or mitigation its impacts are reviewed. When a project results in the use of a historic property, a Determination of Effect Report is prepared to determine the effect the project may have on the resource. If the effect is determined to be adverse, a Memorandum of Agreement is prepared to mitigate for the adverse effect.

We will report on these issues as they arise for each of the separate projects of I-95.