Below is a compilation of frequently asked questions that have been asked about the project. If you have additional questions, please feel free to call Peter Berthold, PennDOT Project Manager at (610) 205-6712.
  1. Q: Will the project team study potential impacts to air quality, wetlands and streams, wildlife (including threatened and endangered animals), residential wells, potential flooding, increased noise levels, geological stability and the Alderfer Landfill?

    A: The project team is following all of the applicable federal guidelines in evaluating the natural resources in the project area.

  2. Q: Will the Connector add to existing congestion by attracting more traffic and placing signals at intersections that are not currently signalized?

    A: The ongoing traffic and engineering studies will look at level of service and secondary impacts of the Connector, including level of service on other local roads. The project team understands that new traffic signals may change existing traffic patterns. Timed traffic signals and other strategies will be used to maximize the efficiency of traffic moving on the Connector and along intersecting roads.
  3. Q: Will the Connector cause the remaining farms to leave the area, leading to more residential development, traffic and congestion?

    A: Residential development patterns are planned and regulated through the zoning practices of each municipality.
  4. Q: Why can’t the Connector follow the PECO lines?

    A: The Connector cannot follow the PECO transmission lines because of safety regulations that stipulate the distance that must be maintained between a road and transmission lines, as well as prohibitive costs associated with replacing transmission towers, power lines and property.
  5. Q: How will my farming operation be affected by the project?

    A: The project team will contact the owner of each farm in the project area to learn about the specifics of the farm’s operation and to determine how the project might impact it. Where feasible mitigation measures are available, they will be provided.
  6. Q: Will the proposed Connector have a ramp that connects directly to the PA Turnpike?

    A: No direct connection to the PA Turnpike is planned as part of this project. At the intersection of Wambold Road and Sumneytown Pike turnpike traffic will proceed to the Lansdale interchange. The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission is investigating slip ramps in the area of Old Forty Foot Road.
  7. Q: Speeding is a problem along Wambold Road. What will be done to control speeding along the Connector?

    A: Speed limit enforcement is the responsibility of the local townships. However, thirteen signals are currently proposed for the Connector and will be designed and timed in an effort to reduce speeding along the Connector.
  8. Q: Will the Connector project delay other roadway and intersection improvements currently planned within the project area?

    A: The Connector will not delay any proposed signal project. Should the townships pursue additional projects within the project area, McCormick Taylor will coordinate with the township when the time comes to resolve any possible design issues.
  9. Q: Who will be responsible for the signalized intersections along the Connector?

    A: PennDOT will assume the cost of the hardware and the installation, and the respective townships will be responsible for the maintenance.
  10. Q: Instead of developing a new two-lane roadway to connect Wambold Road and Township Line Road, would you investigate connecting Wambold Road to Mininger Road, or possibly bringing the Connector from Wambold down Fretz Road to Bergey Road and then connecting to Rt. 309?

    A: As a result of numerous regional studies, it was determined that a new connection from Sumneytown Pike just north of the PA Turnpike’s Lansdale Interchange to PA Route 309 would be an effective way to relieve existing and projected traffic levels. On further review, it was determined that a feasible plan for that connection would be to connect Wambold Road to Township Line Road with a new two-lane roadway which would provide the best balance of impacts to area resources.
  11. Q: When will an alignment be selected and when will construction start?

    A: Environmental clearance for the project was received in the fall of 2004. Final design began in early 2005. Construction for Phase I is anticipated to start in August 2009. Phase II construction is currently planned for 2013.