Policy Points

Below are policy positions we have determined to be "must haves" in the new construction configuration of I-8O. Please share in a conversation with friends and neighbors. If you need additional information, have additional questions about our mission or PennDot's Reconstrution Project or have other issues we haven't considered, please feel free to contact any or all the officials on the contact pages.

 

If you would like to become part of our task force please e-mail us at i80projectimpactaaa@gmail.com.

 

​

1. No to 6 lanes! Studies show that more lanes = more traffic! https://www.wired.com/2014/06/wuwt-traffic-induced-demand/  More lanes also  equals more pavement, more stormwater run-off, more detention basins, more noise, and more property acquired.  Also the speed of travelers will increase and  bottle-necking will occur at both ends of town creating even more congestion. 

2. Full-width Breakdown lanes are necessary! the ability to move disabled vehicles completely out of travel lanes will increase safety and reduce congestion.  They can serve as emergency travel lanes for police, fire and ambulance crews as well as temporary lanes during construction or other times of travel-lane restrictions. 

3. YES to improving Exit and Entrance ramps. Acceleration and decelleration lanes with adequate lengths and sight lines are critically important to safety.

4. YES to modifying bridges and roadways to accommodate oversized vehicles. Increasing clearances at bridges is a crucial improvement for keeping trucks and oversized vehicles off local streets where they cannot maneuver and thus cause serious delays. This should be done in the most economical and least disruptive ways. 

5. Any Construction activities & schedules MUST be coordinated with local residents and buiness, especially with the Ambulatory Surgery Center at Broad St, Exit 307 to minimize vibration, noise and potentially deadly negative impacts. 

6. Start in the  Bartonsville/Tannersville area! This is where the problems start and filter back into Stroudsburg.  

7. Keep a clear picture of the response time for emergency vehicles!

8.  More and frequent involvement and input from citizens, businesses and stakeholders MUST be an ongoing part of project implementation re: construction processes and procedures and specific details of design arrangements.  This involvement will only increase the chance of our community surviving and thriving! 

9. Creative and alternative methods for appropriately handling storm-water run-off MUST be identified and explored. 

10. Non-heavy-construction options, such as education, signage and vehicle regulation MUST be included in project plans. Educate drivers on proper use of acceleration and deceleration lanes and turn signals, merging methods, applying common courtesy, etc. Permanent as well as changeable signage to alert and advise drivers should be included and some type of restrictions on truck traffic, by time of day, size and types of loads must be considered. 

11. Sound mitigation methods MUST be evaluated and included in the project. These sound mitigation methods should include attractive sound walls where appropriate and effective, trees, plantings earth berms, etc. 

12. Mass-transit options, whether developed now or in the future, MUST be identified and included in PennDOT's plans. Passenger trains, competitive bus companies and consideration of the impact of driverless vehicles MUST be evaluated. 

13. Protect our environment! Current toxic-waste sites within the project zone or in proximity to it MUST be ameliorated as part of the project. The PA Department of Environmental Protection (PADEP) regulations do not permit uses that could lead to impacts on wetlands or floodplains, without significant evidence the impact would not generate degradation along the waterways.  We will be watching to ensure these regulations are met!

14. Protect our history! The Hollinshead Cemetary, located on Dreaher Ave.,  proposed for removal is the final resting place of the daughter, son, son-in-law, daughter-in-law and grandson of our founding father, Jacob Stroud! This and other historic sites MUST be off-limits. 

15. Alternative ideas, routes and methods should be identified and investigated with results and well-supported conclusions articulated in order for the public to know and continue to be aware that appropriate thought has been given to the very expensive, finally selected system elements.  Click here for additional ideas that could be considered and questions that should be asked and answered.