Feds OK I-83 widening project expected to displace nearly 100 homes and businesses in Springetts

The Federal Highway Administration has signed off on an Interstate 83 widening project that could displace nearly 100 York County homeowners and businesses.

The project, covering roughly 5 miles of the I-83 corridor from Exit 19 to Exit 22 — Market Street to North George Street — received FHA approval April 20 based on an environmental and engineering assessment conducted in August. 

With federal approval, the $330 million widening project can now move into the final design and construction phase, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation said.

Based on the project's website, parcels in Springettsbury Township would be subject to eminent domain because of construction in the Market Street area, which is slated for 2024.

More:Residents fret PennDOT's ability to execute I-83 widening

More:I-83 widening means eminent domain for Springettsbury neighborhood

Of the 200 properties that are expected to be subject to eminent domain, 60 residential properties, 27 commercial properties and four municipal or tax exempt properties would be displaced, meaning the owners would have their entire property bought and receive assistance with relocating.

A public hearing in October brought mixed opinions from York County residents, who mostly shared concerns regarding PennDOT's ability to efficiently address the interstate's issues.

Ben Marchant, Springettsbury Township manager, said he shares these concerns, but he remained hopeful that this time would be different.

"There's a concern about whether the project's going to be finished on time within budget," Marchant said. "Every project is independent and different. Maybe the state and PennDOT will be able to manage the process better on the next round — but maybe not."

The I-83 widening project schedule can be viewed at www.i83northyork.com.

— Reach Tina Locurto at tlocurto@yorkdispatch.com or on Twitter at @tina_locurto.