Back to list July 27, 2018 Report Identifies Alternatives for I-81 Interchanges in Carlisle CUMBERLAND VALLEY, PA (July 27, 2018) – Cumberland Area Economic Development Corporation (CAEDC) recently completed a year-long study that advances improvement options for the Interstate 81 interchanges at York and Trindle Road in Carlisle. CAEDC’s most recent study identifies a range of improvement alternatives for the two half interchanges that are seen by many to be confusing to use, and a barrier to the area’s economic development potential. “Having improved transportation infrastructure would benefit both the U.S. Army Heritage & Education Center (USAHEC) and the Carlisle Army Barracks, as well as our area’s overall economic development efforts,“ said Jonathan Bowser, CAEDC CEO. The study presents options that include expanding Interstate 81’s interchange with PA Route 641 (Trindle Road) into a full interchange, with access to the interstate from both directions. CAEDC recently presented the draft study recommendations at a public meeting. Options for improving the interchange at Exit 49 Trindle Road generated positive feedback. “Our proposal to make the interchange at Trindle Road into a full diamond interchange especially received favorable reviews, given its potential to greatly improve traffic operations and safety and improve access to USAHEC,” Bowser said. An additional study proposal includes the construction of a connector road parallel to Fairfield Street between York and Trindle Road, although this option did not receive the same level of public acceptance. “There were some who saw that proposed project as a temporary fix and not something that would ultimately address the safety and mobility concerns that exist at the two interchanges,” Bowser said. The study was guided by an 11-member study steering committee that included representation from the study area municipalities, the Cumberland County Planning Commission, and the Army Heritage Center Foundation. CAEDC will be working with its partners at the county, regional, and Federal level to advance the concepts to more advanced stages of planning study. “We have already been in contact with representatives from PennDOT and HATS (the Harrisburg Area Transportation Study) to have these concepts receive the consideration they deserve as updates to state and regional traffic plans and programs are being made,” Bowser said. Copies of the report are available by contacting CAEDC at (717) 240-7180, or you can download it here. About CAEDC CAEDC is Cumberland County’s authorized agency charged with leveraging and promoting Cumberland Valley’s economic development and tourism assets to drive growth, create jobs and improve the quality of life. Offices are located at 53 W. South Street, Carlisle PA. For more information, visit www.cumberlandbusiness.com and www.visitcumberlandvalley.com.
