Public Outreach
Stakeholders and travelers with an interest from across the corridor have shared their feedback at each phase of the I-81 Improvement Strategy. This feedback was used to identify the Needs and Priorities, Conceptual Improvements and inform the final Playbook. Thank you to those who shared their ideas on how to improve I-81.
We will continue to collect feedback from the public and stakeholders on the I-81 Improvement Strategy. To provide comments please click here.
Outreach by the Numbers
3,500+
Public Surveys
Answered
121
Municipalities
Reached
2,700+
Comments
Received
700+
Public Meeting
Total Attendance
Public Outreach Timeline
The I-81 Improvement Strategy process began in July 2019 to develop a corridor strategy to evaluate existing transportation needs. At each phase, information has been shared with the public and stakeholders through e-newsletters, public meetings, workshops, briefings and surveys.
Below is a timeline of the public outreach efforts with some related multimedia examples. For all recordings related to the I-81 Improvement Strategy, please visit TCRPC’s YouTube.
Project Launch Website and Video
The I-81 Improvement Strategy website and video were created for to provide the public and stakeholders access to information and details about the project.
MPO Workshop
The MPO Workshop Kickoff meeting was a way to introduce to the improvement strategy to the MPOs and have a small group discussion on the needs – highway safety, congestion, access and land use, and condition.
Public Feedback Survey
An online survey was launched to identify what issues matter most to the motorists who travel along the I-81 corridor.
Legislative Briefing
A legislative briefing was held to inform state and federal legislators within the study area of the I-81 Improvement Strategy and to receive their feedback on what has been heard from constituents. The event was held at Harrisburg Regional Chamber of Commerce.
Stakeholder Workshop & Interviews
Emergency service providers, major shippers, municipalities and business & industry stakeholders were all part of the outreach process to identify major issues along the I-81 corridor within the topic areas of highway safety, congestion and traffic operations, infrastructure condition, and access and land development.
Online Public Meeting
The public meeting was held virtually from September 15 – October 5, 2020 to provide the public with the opportunity to review and provide feedback on twelve identified Focus Areas, associated needs and the criteria that was used during the prioritization of the Focus Areas.
Phase 2 Kickoff
Public feedback was collected on the prioritized list of Focus Areas as well as conceptual improvements for the top focus area in each county.
Legislative Briefing
The I-81 Improvement Strategy team met virtually via Zoom with State and U.S. Legislators to provide an update on the I-81 corridor focus areas, prioritization process, and next steps including an update on the 2020 Online Public Meeting feedback.
Public Comment Period
A combination of live and recorded meetings allowed the public and stakeholders to learn about the four focus areas, answer polling questions, and give feedback on the Phase 2 Conceptual Improvements.
Legislative Briefing
The Legislative Briefing was held virtually via Microsoft Teams for PA Legislators and their staff regarding the results of the December public comment period, updates from the MPO Partners and PennDOT leaders, as well as the next steps for improvements along the corridor.
