Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports, “After a four-month review of new roadwork based on spending concerns, the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission decided Tuesday [November 15] not to cancel any projects in its $5.7 billion capital budget.” The review was launched in July after commissioners approved a toll hike for the ninth year straight. The newspaper adds, “The commission did put six major expansion projects on a list for possible suspension if financial problems worsen. They include the proposed $1.6 billion extension of the Mon-Fayette Expressway from Route 51 . . . to the Parkway East . . . and the $859 million extension of the Southern Beltway from Route 22 to Interstate 79.”
Looking ahead, the newspaper reports that, “The turnpike commission’s other major financial concern — repealing a state law that requires it to pay $450 million a year to the state Department of Transportation for public transit — is on hold until at least next year” when the legislature returns for its next session.