Q. Will the existing Route 26 be closed at any time during construction?
A. No. The project plans do not require traffic closures along Route 26 since we are building an entirely new road. There are some short-term lane restrictions and/or temporary closures of other roads as bridges and interchanges are constructed.

Q. Will any businesses or homes have to be relocated?
A. No businesses will have to be relocated for this project. The project does require the state to acquire about 335 acres of farmland and four private residences. The state will compensate property owners in accordance with the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970 (as amended).

Q. Won't this highway hurt business along existing Route 26?
A. This project is beneficial to businesses and residents in the area because it reduces congestion and eliminates many of the safety hazards to travelers on the existing roadway, while still providing easy access to the commercial district. Plans call for an interchange and access road to service the Penn State Innovation Park, as well as additional interchanges at U.S. Route 322, Shiloh Road, State Route 150, Harrison Road and the Bellefonte Bypass to provide access to business and residential areas.

Q. What will happen to the existing Route 26?
A. It will remain in its existing location and will be accessible from the new highway from various interchanges.

Q. How will this project affect the Big Hollow and Spring Creek area?
A. The proposed path of the highway will require a bridge over Spring Creek within this natural area. PennDOT is committed to utilizing materials and methods that will minimize any impacts to the forest and aquatic systems. In addition, PennDOT will consider recommendations in the Spring Creek Corridor Management Plan and will work with regional planning agencies to accommodate existing and future trail plans within the Big Hollow and Spring Creek areas.

Q. How long will this project take?
A. The project will be completed in phases, with completion scheduled for late 2002. Construction began early in 1999.