HARRISBURG – The State Senate today approved a bill designating a portion of Interstate 180 in Lycoming County as the Kenneth C. Larson, Jr. Memorial Highway, according to Sen. Gene Yaw (R-23). Yaw sponsored the original measure in honor of the late veteran and engineer’s decades of service to Pennsylvania’s regional development and transportation infrastructure.
“Kenneth Larson was an accomplished engineer and a visionary whose leadership helped shape the very roads we travel on today,” Yaw said. “His legacy of innovation, mentorship and public service deserves to be remembered by all who benefit from the work he dedicated his life to.”
A graduate of Bucknell University and a U.S. Navy Reserve veteran, Larson began his public career at the former Department of Forests and Waters before moving into leadership roles within the Department of Highways and later PennDOT. In 1966, he became the youngest appointed district engineer, overseeing major construction and maintenance projects across multiple counties.
Larson played a key role in the development of critical transportation corridors, including portions of U.S. Route 15 and Interstate 80, and helped modernize the state’s design processes through early adoption of computer-aided drafting. After his public service, he co-founded what would become Larson Design Group, a nationally recognized engineering firm headquartered in Lycoming County.
“Ken Larson was a towering figure in the world of Pennsylvania transportation. Perhaps his greatest legacy beyond advancing the construction of important highway corridors in our Northcentral PA region like Interstate 180 and the modernization of US Route 15 was his clear vision and keen understanding that these highways also helped build vibrant, economically prosperous and safer communities. Ken was a mentor for me along with many PennDOT District 3 Executives that followed in his footsteps” said Mark Murawski, retired Lycoming County transportation planner and former president of the Route 15 Coalition.
In addition to his infrastructure achievements, Larson was known for his commitment to mentoring young engineers, supporting local initiatives and creating opportunities to retain skilled professionals in the region.
For more state-related news and information, constituents can visit Senator Yaw’s website at www.SenatorGeneYaw.com or follow him on Facebook and X @SenatorGeneYaw.
CONTACT:
Elizabeth Weitzel
717-787-3280