No Route 45 Connector
As part of the Route 322 Connector project, Penn Dot has proposed adding a connector between Route 45 and Route 322. This route was not part of any of the original potential routes. It was added between the first and second public meeting.
WHY? Per CCMPO Technical Meeting: “because it’s easier to take out than to add”.
Latest Update: 1/19/2024
WE DID IT! PennDOT announced that they will be removing the 45 connector from the Route 322 project. They will allocate up to $3 million to study and address safety concerns identified on Route 45 in Harris and Potter townships. Thank you to everyone who has shared our page, signed the petition, wrote to PennDOT, attended public meetings, and made your voices heard. We could not have done this without you.
As residents who live along Route 45, we have the following concerns about the planned connector:
Traffic Impacts
According to real crash data, SR45 in Potter township had the highest fatality rate of all road sections in the study according to the last 5 years. (source: crashinfo.penndot.gov)
The connector road would increase both average daily traffic (ADT) and average daily truck traffic (ADTT) on SR45 in Potter Township.
PennDOT information from the SCAC Public Meeting (April 2022) indicates 200% increase in truck traffic!
The PEL study identified SR45 as substandard today.
There is no plan to improve SR45 in Potter Township in the State College Area Connector Project or the Centre County Municipal Planning Organization’s plans.
Environmental Impacts
Increased pollution (longer commuter route)
Impacts Cedar Run headwaters
Proximity to high-quality aquafers
Low water tables
20+ Karst features in interchange and connector
Numerous private wells in vicinity
Community well (Country Club Park)
Had to be moved due to water table and existing SR45 impacts
Additional Productive Farmland Taken
Impacts Hazard Waste Site Areas (Country Club Park and Industrial area)
Noise
Residential Concerns and Impacts
Several School Bus Stops several times along SR45
Lower Real Estate Value
Potential contamination of High Quality Private Well Water.
Decreased Safety (higher traffic volumes)
Road through backyard of multiple residents.
Potential rezoning in an area NOT designated as a growth area.
Increased pollution
May contradict community plan for a scenic byway and rural culture if rezoning is allowed.
Sign The Petition
If you agree with the points above, please sign our petition.
