Pennsylvania Turnpike’s plans to construct an Interstate 70 bypass could reduce congestion but also jeopardize the future of Breezewood, writes Madaleine Rubin for the Post-Gazette.
Breezewood joins Interstate 70 and the Pennsylvania Turnpike and relies on travelers heading west on the I-70 from Mid-Atlantic cities to Pittsburgh and beyond and vice versa to keep its surviving businesses running.
“Truck stops and motels keep this town alive,” said resident Cory Divelbiss.
The Turnpike Commission announced in September that it is accepting proposals for an interchange redesign that includes a direct connection to Interstate 70, which would allow travelers to completely bypass Breezewood.
The commission is asking for proposals that would ensure that the town stays alive and even improve the area, potentially keeping an option to exit there. However, 80 percent of truck drivers, who are the majority of Breezewood’s traffic, already do not stop in the town for food and fuel, according to a 2017 traffic study.
This has caused concern among many local business owners, including Christi Crawford, who helps run Crawford’s Museum.
The proposal “could kill Breezewood,” she said.
Read more about Pennsylvania Turnpike’s plans in the Post-Gazette.
