Plank Road Interchange Project

Updated: March 30, 2004

This project is to propose and evaluate improvements to the Plank Road (S.R. 1001) corridor in Altoona, PA, near Logan Valley Mall, and the interchange with I-99. This project includes evaluating intersections and corridor capacities along Plank Road from the Parkvew/Sheraton Driveways to the Toys ‘R’ Us Driveway (including the interchange with I-99), along Goods Lane from the Kaufmann’s Driveway to Plank Road, and along Orchard Ave. from Plank Road to the Orchard Plaza Driveway. Please refer to the Alternates to view proposed improvements to the corridor.
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SPUI	In addition to the intersection improvements, the interchange between Plank Road and I-99 is also being studied to improve access to the interstate traffic flow through the interchange area. The first alternate for the interchange is an upgrade of the existing ramps to provide additional turning lanes and storage capacity on the existing ramps. This alternate will work with either the LOS C or D scenario. The second interchange alternate is a Single Point Urban Interchange (SPUI) configuration. This alternate consolidates all left turn movements to a single signal located under the overhead structures. This alternate is also compatible with either the LOS C or D alternate.
LOS "C"	The LOS C alternate would begin widening Plank Road just north of its intersection with Plank Road Commons Driveway (south). Plank Road would be widened to as many as eight (8) lanes to add left turn and through traffic capacity, tying into existing conditions, just north of the Arby’s Restaurant. Goods Lane will be widened to four (4) lanes at the Kaufmann’s Driveway, and six (6) lanes at the intersection with Plank Road. Orchard Avenue would be widened to five (5) lanes between Plank Road and Orchard Plaza Driveway. In order to complete this design, it is anticipated that three (3) retaining walls will be utilized to minimize impacts to parking areas, driveways, and Mill Run.
LOS "D"	The LOS D alternate would begin widening Plank Road just south of the Parkview Drive/Sheraton Drive intersection. Plank Road would be widened to as many as eight (8) lanes to add left turn and through traffic capacity, tying into existing conditions, just north of the Arby’s Restaurant. Goods Lane will be widened to three (3) lanes at the Kaufmann’s Driveway, and six (6) lanes at the intersection with Plank Road. Orchard Avenue would be widened to five (5) lanes between Plank Road and Orchard Plaza Driveway. In order to complete this design, it is anticipated that one (1) retaining wall will be utilized to minimize impacts to parking areas.