PennDOT HOP Application

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• The developer's permit application was last reviewed by PennDOT on 10/30/2025
• It is both egregious and dangerous and will negatively impact numerous residential areas and roads that are not designed for the projected increase in commercial traffic to include 18-wheel tractor trailers
• Neighbors most impacted include those located behind Glen Eagle Shopping Center and those situated along the Ridge Road corridor
• Several residential artery roads will also suffer the negative consequences of this plan including but not limited to Heyburn, Ring and Smithbridge
• As a homeowner you have a RIGHT to object and INTERVENE on this plan. 
• Below is a SAMPLE objection letter.  It reflects suggested language and should be revised to reflect your specific concerns.

• Has Chadds Ford Township filed for Intervenor Status with PennDOT?
• Has this HOP application been presented to Chadds Ford Township for review and comments?
• Will this HOP plan require a sign-off by Chadds Ford Township?
• The plans show grading and other work outside of the existing Right of Way and on land located within Chadds Ford Township. Will Chadds Ford Township require review and approval for this work?
• The plan shows tractor trailers using Ridge Road, west of the main entrances which means they are coming from Smithbridge Road, Ring Road or Heyburn Road. How is this acceptable on our country roads in Chadds Ford?

• File Right-to-Know request for HOP plans.
• Submit detailed written objections to PennDOT + township engineer.
• Request township to intervene or condition approval on PennDOT redesign.
• If approved and materially harmful, consult counsel about Commonwealth Court appeal or challenging related local approvals.

A Highway Occupancy Permit (HOP) — authorized by 75 Pa. C.S. § 420, implemented through 67 Pa. Code Chapter 441 — is required for any new driveway, access, or drainage connection to a state highway. The HOP regulates access points (driveways, turn lanes, signals, drainage) — not land use itself.

PennDOT evaluates safety, traffic impact, and drainage, but not zoning or land development policy — those stay under municipal control.  Developers typically cannot get final land development approval without an HOP, and vice versa.

PennDOT treats HOP applications as administrative permit requests, not as formal contested proceedings — but neighbors can still participate indirectly:

• Adjacent property owners or affected residents may submit written objections, comments, or information showing that the proposed access would cause unsafe conditions, flooding, or traffic hazards.
• While you don’t have automatic party standing in the HOP administrative process, your comments become part of the record, and PennDOT engineers must review and address them.
• If your municipality has an open land development plan related to the same project, that’s often the best entry point for objections

• Ask PennDOT District Office (for Concord Twp. and the 202 corridor: District 6-0, King of Prussia) for the HOP application file under Pennsylvania’s Right-to-Know Law (65 P.S. § 67.101 et seq.).
• Request: the application form, plans, TIS (traffic impact study), correspondence, and any review comments.

Reference the HOP application number, identify yourself as a nearby property owner, and explain specific, factual safety or drainage concerns, FOR EXAMPLE:

• Insufficient sight distance or turning radius
• Increased crash risk from driveway placement
• Added traffic congestion or cut-through impacts
• Drainage onto your property
• Conflict with township zoning or subdivision plan

Keep it professional — PennDOT must include substantive comments in its file.

• The township engineer and planning commission typically review the same plans as part of land development approval.
• Township officials can formally object to the HOP or request PennDOT modifications — and PennDOT gives those comments great weight.
• Ask your township to send a letter of concern or require revised access as a condition of subdivision approval.