Turning a Mountain: The Debate Over a New Turnpike Path

The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission has long talked about moving a heavy traffic route away from an old tunnel that runs through Allegheny Mountain. The plan is to build a new bypass that would cut the highway around the mountain instead of through it. A local group called Citizens to Save the Allegheny Mountain (CTSAM) has organized a press conference at the state Capitol. They want lawmakers and residents to hear why they believe the new road would damage the natural scenery and wildlife. They say the mountain is a symbol of the area’s heritage and that cutting through it would leave a lasting scar. The Commission says the tunnel, built 87 years ago, is getting old and would need a huge renovation. They estimate that fixing it would cost more than the $400 million price tag for the bypass and would create long detours. Their studies over the past 30 years show that traffic through the tunnel is heavy—about 35, 000 cars a day now and almost 57, 000 by 2050. They argue that the new road would improve safety because the current tunnel has a high crash rate and is hard to service when an accident happens.To keep trucks that carry hazardous materials out of the tunnel, the Commission says the new bypass would let them stay on the highway instead of using local roads. The proposed route would be about five miles long, with six lanes and a special lane for trucks that need to climb steep grades. A wildlife overpass would also be built so animals can cross safely. CTSAM says the bypass, which they call the “Gray Cut, ” would destroy wildlife habitats and disturb water springs. They warn that moving large amounts of soil could pollute rivers such as the Stonycreek and the Raystown Branch. They also fear that construction would bring more runoff with oil and heavy metals into streams, hurting fish and people’s drinking water. The Commission acknowledges the environmental concerns. They say that the project will go through a permitting process and involve several agencies to check its impact. The Commission’s spokesperson promised they would try to reduce damage as much as possible and do the right thing. The debate is a clash between improving traffic flow and protecting nature. Residents, lawmakers, and environmentalists will likely weigh in on whether the new road is worth the potential loss of mountainside beauty.