Williamsport’s Community Trade Association, optimistic over prospects for speedy legislative passage of the long-sought Keystone Shortway Turnpike bill, today acclaimed the bright industrial and business outlook the new road is expected to bring to the Williamsport area.

The CTA has learned from Harrisburg sources that the Shortway legislation is expected to be voted upon and pass its first reading Monday. Passage on second and third reading is expected Tuesday and has been indicated Governor George M. Leader will sign the legislation Wednesday.

Enactment of the legislation for the cross-state super road will end a five-year struggle by the CTA to make the highway a reality.

The new turnpike is expected to be built along the straightest line possible between Sharon on the Ohio border and Stroudsburg on the New Jersey state line. It will probably pass within a short distance south of this city.

The CTA anticipates the legislative and executive approvals of the bill will open wide opportunities for new industry and business not only for Williamsport and this area but also to all of northcentral Pennsylvania. The CTA has seen the Shortway as the key to unlock the door to large scale development of new industry and business in the area.

Much of the optimism for business and industry connected with the Shortway is based upon the growth of the economies of other areas located on or near turnpikes. Many businesses have located on turnpike routes even before construction was underway.

The proposed Shortway will also serve as the shortest route between the nation’s two largest cities, New York and Chicago. This is expected to stimulate the tourist industry in this area as well as industrial development.