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I-81 Exit 37 Highway Implementation Plan
Exit 37 of Interstate 81 has been a high priority for some time as related to traffic congestion, growing truck traffic, and increased safety issues. In support of Penn Township and Cumberland County, the Harrisburg Area Transportation Study (HATS) Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) took the lead on facilitating the funding of the Exit 37 Highway Implementation Plan. The three entities then coordinated equally throughout the planning process to identify transportation improvements needed in the Exit 37 and SR 233 corridor area, encompassing portions of Penn and West Pennsboro townships. The study area included the I-81 interchange with SR 233, and additionally from a point near Oak Flat Elementary School to Walnut Bottom Road (PA 174).
This Exit 37 study was led by a Steering Committee comprising representatives of HATS, Cumberland County, and Penn Township, supported by the planning and engineering consulting firm Michael Baker International, working in cooperation with PennDOT and West Pennsboro Township. The team undertook an extensive public and stakeholder engagement process to solicit input from those most familiar with area needs.
A major challenge for local leaders has been that, historically, the Exit 37 interchange has not risen to a level of high priority at the regional or Statewide level. Study participants acknowledge that state and federal funds may not be available for interchange improvements for some time; therefore, Cumberland County, Penn Township and the HATS MPO sought to identify near- and medium-term solutions, as well as creative financing approaches to address transportation needs within the area.
It should be noted that while the Newville interchange was not selected as a key priority area within the region, the Exit 37 area was noted as a locally important priority which makes it incumbent upon Penn Township and Cumberland County to facilitate the pursuit of alternative funding opportunities.
The Implementation Plan identifies the recommended improvements while outlining proactive strategies to improve traffic flow and safety for commercial traffic, motorists, and non-motorized travelers in the study area. All of which will be lead by the local community (the municipality, the County, private developers, etc.) to enhance safety and mobility throughout the area.
