No One Shows For Public Hearing On Transportation

The Lehigh Valley's planning people are looking for input. The first public hearing was held Thursday on a transportation plan that maps out priority projects for the next 19 years.

The only problem was no one showed up.

We've been hearing a lot of talk over the last few years about building a bridge over the Lehigh River, but officials with the Lehigh Valley Planning Commission said when it comes to the comprehensive plan, they have two problems -- not enough money and not enough public input.

"The key point absolutely is the lack of infrastructure funding that's available over that period, so we identified major projects," said Joe Gurinko, chief transportation planner, Lehigh Valley Planning Commission.

The commission's transportation project wish list for the next 19 years includes work on Route 412 in south Bethlehem, the creation of the American Parkway bridge in Allentown, and interchange improvements on Route 22.

Improvements to park and ride facilities, transit services and the Lehigh Valley's 139 structurally-deficient bridges are also tucked into the draft.

But commission members said there is a major flaw in their transportation plan. There may not be enough money to cover more than routine maintenance. Some projects could be delayed or never completed.

The plan, now in the draft stage, maps out goals for projects from 2011 to 2030.

The media were the only people at the public hearing on the draft.

Commission officials said they hope more people will attend the hearings as the process moves forward to make sure people approve of the wish list.

There is another public hearing scheduled for 6:00 this evening at PennDOT headquarters.

A final transportation plan is expected to be put together by the end of October.