A decision is expected soon about whether a much-anticipated series of capacity improvements along Rt. 228 in Cranberry will happen or not. Discussions involving PennDOT, Simon Development and the Township over financing the improvements have been going on for the past three years, but have been stalemated for most of that time, according to Cranberry Township Chief Strategic Planning Officer John Trant, Jr.
There’s a lot at stake. “We have almost $65 million in hand and we can’t spend it because we need an additional $8-10 million dollars,” Trant said. “We can’t let that happen. We have to figure out a way to spend it right now within the tri-party arrangement. I don’t want to lose the potential $24 million in state transportation money that was committed prior to Act 44. ”
However it’s an uphill battle. “The climate for transportation improvement statewide is putting a stranglehold on new capacity projects. So we’re bucking that trend. But as the 228 project languishes, other priorities, such as repair and bridge projects, will pull on that money,” he said.