Monroeville, PA – Legislation authored by State Senator Nick Pisciottano (D-Allegheny) to advance construction of the Mon-Fayette Expressway passed the Pennsylvania Senate unanimously last Tuesday, marking a key milestone for the regional transportation project in Allegheny County.
Senate Bill 467 previously passed the House of Representatives and now heads to Governor Shapiro for his signature.
The legislation authorizes the transfer of Project 70 restrictions from land owned by the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission to land owned by the Borough of West Mifflin, ensuring that public recreational land is preserved while allowing the Turnpike Commission to proceed with construction of the expressway.
Specifically, the legislation releases Project 70 restrictions on land formerly owned by West Mifflin and now held by the Turnpike Commission, including the Fleetwood Drive Playground and portions of West Mifflin Community Park that are impacted by the Mon-Fayette Expressway. In total, approximately 47 acres will be released from restriction due to direct acquisition or landlocking caused by construction.
In exchange, West Mifflin will accept ownership of approximately 28 acres of land along Camp Hollow Road, which will be protected under Project 70 restrictions as public recreational space.
“Sending this bill to the Governor’s desk to be signed into law allows the turnpike to continue its work on the Mon-Fayette Expressway, a vital transportation project in our region,” said Senator Pisciottano.
Project 70 of 1961 restricts the use of certain publicly owned lands to conservation and recreation purposes unless otherwise authorized by the General Assembly. The exchange approved through this legislation ensures no net loss of protected land while allowing the Turnpike Commission to move forward with construction of the Mon-Fayette Expressway.
The unanimous Senate vote underscores bipartisan recognition of the project’s importance to regional mobility, economic development, and long-term infrastructure planning in the Mon Valley and greater Allegheny County.
More information about the Mon-Fayette Expressway, including a project overview, design details, public involvement, and regular updates can be found here.