Community Corner

Traffic Advisory: How to Prevent Logjam on I-79

PennDOT urges motorists to use all lanes to merge point in highway work zones.

If you travel I-79 , you've probably noticed a logjam lately when traffic funnels down from three lanes to two between Exits 73 and 75.

PennDOT says heavy congestion and long delays are occurring there in Marshall Township and Franklin Park Borough because motorists are merging into two lanes before it is necessary, according to PennDOT Press Officer James B. Struzzi II.

"When approaching the work zone on I-79, motorists are reminded to use all three lanes up to the merge point," Struzzi said in a press release. "Please be courteous to other motorists and allow them to merge.

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"The effectiveness of traffic flow in highway work zones is highly dependent on driver behavior. Using all three lanes and allowing a consistent, courteous merge will reduce congestion and delay and help traffic move smoothly and safely through the work zone," said Struzzi.

Currently a single lane is closed in each direction, which means two lanes are left open through the work zone at the Mingo Road overpass. 

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The current restrictions will remain in place through August.  

The $10 million I-79 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 on the following bridges:

  • Northbound and southbound bridges over Mingo Road.
  • Northbound and southbound bridges over Warrendale-Bayne Road.
  • 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.

The overall project will be completed in the fall. The prime contractor for the project is Swank Associated Companies,Inc. of New Kensington.


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