Central Susquehanna Valley Transportation Project Previews to Public and Officials

The Central Susquehanna Valley Transportation (CSVT) project has been in the works since 1959, with the project really gaining headway in 2015. The project is set to include two sections. The northern section will connect PA 147 south of Montandon to US 15 south of Winfield. This includes a bridge over West Branch Susquehanna River. The southern section will connect US 15 south of Winfield to US 11/15 north of Selinsgrove. This includes a connector from the new highway to PA 61.  

Members of the community, PennDOT, and other state agencies came together last week to celebrate the opening of the northern section. On Saturday, June 25, the public was invited to walk, run, or bike along a 3.5-mile section of the new roadway and river bridge. Approximately 6,000 people attended with some traveling over 50 miles to see the new roadway.  

"The Department was pleased to provide this special occasion to the public," said District Executive Eric High, P.E. "This project has been planned for decades and a significant accomplishment. We were delighted with the amount of public interest to see it up-close before it will be opened to traffic in July." 

On Wednesday, June 29, PennDOT hosted U.S. Senator Bob Casey and federal, state, and local officials at a ribbon cutting and groundbreaking ceremony for the northern section of the CSVT. After being halted in 2008 due to underfunding, construction was made possible by Act 89 of 2013.  

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"For more than a decade, I have advocated for this crucial investment in Central Pennsylvania infrastructure," said Senator Casey. "As we celebrate completion of the Northern Section of the Central Susquehanna Valley Thruway and break ground on the Southern Section, I look forward to the economic growth and transportation access this connector will provide. Thanks to the infrastructure law, we are making real progress to rebuild roads and bridges throughout the Commonwealth." 

This ceremony also celebrated the beginning of construction of the southern section. Approximately $6 million from the new federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is supporting the first contract, earthwork, for the southern Section which was bid earlier this year. Currently, the $115 million low bid was submitted by Trumball Corporation of Pittsburgh. Contracts for structures and pavement are ongoing development and will be advertised in the future. The southern section is estimated to cost $360 million. 

"Today we celebrate the opening of the northern section and the beginning of construction of the southern section," said District Executive Eric High, P.E. "Although much work remains to be completed, these are significant milestones for this long-awaited project and major steps toward achieving its far-reaching benefits in north central Pennsylvania." 

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To view a commemorative booklet on the Northern Section opening and the Southern Section groundbreaking, click here. 

For more information on the CSVT project, please visit the CSVT website.