Local

Construction of new I-79 exit ramp leaves Butler Co. woman unhappy

BUTLER COUNTY, Pa. — Pennsylvania Department of Transportation crews planted trees in the backyards of nearby homes to cancel out noise levels after constructing a new exit ramp, but skipped one house, according to one upset Butler County resident.

Rhonda MacGuirk said she's upset that she's the only homeowner out of her neighbors that didn't get trees replaced after PennDOT crews dissembled their backyards because of exit ramp construction.

"It doesn't make sense," said MacGuirk. "Whatever you can do to help, you'll never know how much we appreciate it."

Once lined with trees, MacGuirk showed Channel 11's Amy Marcinkiewicz pictures of her backyard over a 2 1/2-year period.

MacGuirk said PennDOT crews had to cut the trees down to build a new ramp, called Little Creek Road, off Interstate 79 in Butler County.

Macinkiewicz called PennDOT officials and was told that crews would be looking into the matter.

"If they said they would give you trees, we will give you trees," said a PennDOT worker.

MacGuirk said after a two-year battle, with one phone call, she's happy.

PennDOT officials also said they're looking into building a sound barrier wall.