A unanimous vote by the Pennsylvania Transportation Commission last week placed the engineering phase of the final four sections of the Susquehanna Beltway on the state’s six-year program.

The commission’s decision to proceed with the Beltway followed testimony by five local men on why the completion of the highway is vitally needed for this area. The local delegation’s presentation supplemented  written information that was submitted earlier.

Assemblyman Robert Wise referred to the overwhelming community support for the Beltway.

The engineering costs for the 10.7 miles of the Williamsport Beltway will be $2.89 million. The total estimated cost of the project is $41.4 million

When completed this section of the four-lane limited access highway will extend just north of Muncy, near Halls Station, to and around Montoursville, and will terminate at Mulberry Street in the city. These sections will have five interchanges and will serve as the missing link for recently completed projects and projects currently under construction.

The Susquehanna Beltway will connect I-80 (Keystone Shortway), north of Milton to U.S. Route 15, immediately north of Williamsport.

Kenneth C. Larson Jr., district engineer for the state department of transportation, said that the earliest construction could begin on any section would be three years.

Beltway construction is already completed from Arch Street to Linden. Presently under construction are the sections from Arch Street to Mulberry Street.

Mr. Larson said the engineering work on the section around Montoursville is half completed.

Relocation may present some problems in certain sections, according to Mr. Larson. Numerous homes are in the direct path of the highway in the eastern part of the project and will have to be razed.

Compiled by Lou Hunsinger Jr.