I-79 Bridge Improvements Begin Thursday

Pine-Richland motorists using I-79 can expect to see construction and the often-ensuing traffic delays for most of this year as PennDOT rehabilitates bridges on the busy interstate.

A $10 million project to rehabilitate five bridges on I-79 between Exits 73 and 76 in Franklin Park Borough and Marshall Township will begin Thursday, according to an announcement from PennDOT District 11's office.

Although PennDOT announced earlier today that work would start Tuesday, that date was pushed back to Thursday because inclement weather will prevent the necessary line painting until then, PennDOT Press Officer James B. Struzzi II said in a press release.

The overall project will be completed in fall 2011, said Struzzi.

"The project includes deck replacements, latex overlays, expansion dam replacements, substructure repairs, bituminous paving, drainage and guide rail upgrades, pavement markings, culvert cleaning and stream restoration, and other improvements," said Struzzi.

The work affects the following I-79 bridges, he said:

• Northbound and southbound bridges over Mingo Road (Route 4041).
• Northbound and southbound bridges over Warrendale-Bayne Road (Route 4052).
• The ramp from northbound I-79 to Cranberry (Exit 76), which passes over southbound I-79.
• Work will also occur on a culvert that carries the east branch of Big Sewickley Creek under southbound I-79 south of Mingo Road. 

Short-term restrictions that motorists will see this week involve single-lane closures on I-79 in the evening, according to Struzzi.

For the long term, motorists will see these restrictions through mid-August, Struzzi said:

• Single-lane closures (two of three lanes open) in both directions on I-79 in the area of the bridge over Mingo Road. 
• Single-lane alternating-use traffic on Mingo Road; 15-minute traffic stoppages may also occur on Mingo Road between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. and midnight to 6 a.m. as needed.
• 15-foot-wide single-lane restriction on the ramp from northbound I-79 to Cranberry.
• Single-lane traffic in each direction on Warrendale-Bayne Road.

Struzzi said long-term restrictions from mid-August through mid-November are as follows:

• Single-lane closures (two of three lanes open) in both directions on I-79 in the area of the bridge over Warrendale-Bayne Road.
• Single-lane traffic in each direction on Warrendale-Bayne Road.
• 15-foot-wide single-lane restriction on the ramp from northbound I-79 to Cranberry.

All ramps and exits will remain open at this time, he said.  

The prime contractor for the project is Swank Associated Companies Inc. of New Kensington.

"PennDOT advises motorists to use caution, slow down, and expect changing traffic patterns when traveling through the area," said Struzzi. "Motorists are also reminded they can log on to 511pa.com or call 511 from any phone to check traffic conditions on major roadways before traveling."