PennDOT Schedules Public Meeting to discuss the Route 8 asset management and corridor improvement
The open-house format meeting will be held Thursday, Feb. 8 from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Franklin High School auditorium at 246 Pone Lane. A presentation will begin at 6:15 p.m.
PennDOT says it is studying options to best manage and improve Route 8 in Venango County between Georgetown Road in Irwin Township and DeBence Drive in Sandycreek Township, a distance of about 10.5 miles.
PennDOT has said one of the considerations in the study is reducing the corridor from four lanes to two lanes. That proposal has met with vehement opposition the last few months from officials in Venango County and many municipalities in the county.
The Venango Area Chamber of Commerce joins local officials in urging you to attend this public meeting.
Chamber Director Susan Williams remarks “Businesses from across the region have expressed their concern to us, about the threat of a lane reduction. Route 8 provides important access to local industry, emergency services and residents, traveling in or out of the county. This highway additionally moves traffic to and from neighboring counties. We must urge PennDot to remove any consideration of a lane reduction”
The purpose of the meeting is to introduce the study to the community and receive input on ideas for the corridor and PennDot has invited the public to attend at any time during the open house hours.
Information on the study’s purpose status, schedule, existing and forecast roadway conditions and an initial range of ideas to consider will be available for review and comment.
PennDOT representatives, along with the department’s design consultants, will make a brief presentation and will be available to answer questions.
The meeting location is handicapped accessible.
Williams adds “This forum is an important opportunity for a unified business voice. I encourage you to let us know that you plan to attend, in support of future growth of Venango County.”
Will you attend? Let us know if your business will be represented or if you are unable to attend, but would like to share your comments, by completing this form.