Tired of being stuck in traffic? Channel 11 has updates on major road projects in the area
It seems like road construction in Pittsburgh no longer has a “season” as projects are growing in size and lasting for months and years instead of weeks.
That’s why Traffic Anchor Trisha Pittman went to PennDOT to find out about the progress of three big projects that are impacting area drivers.
Boulevard of the Allies and Forbes Avenue ramp work
There are five ramps that intersect and go over the Parkway East. Those ramps haven’t seen significant attention in over 25 years.
Jason Zang at PennDOT told Channel 11 it’s a four-year project that is in year one. The work includes painting and deck overlays.
While crews plan to do most of the work during off-peak and overnight hours, a complete weekend closure of the Parkway East may be necessary.
Highland Park Bridge project
The work being done along Route 28 is actually three different projects with different contracts. The upper project, near New Kensington, will continue next year with bridge rehab over several creeks in the area.
Zang said what they call the “middle” project — work from Highland Park Bridge to Harmar — is going to wrap up this year.
The major part of the project — the Highland Park Bridge — has about one more year of work. Zang said there is still much to be done and the next year is going to be very busy there.
I-79 from Neville Island Bridge to Wexford
The good news here is that restrictions on I-79 from Neville Island to Wexford have already been lifted. While there’s still work to be done under the bridge, the overhead painting part of the project is wrapping up, too.
Zang said crews will be taking down platforms and cables, which could cause restrictions. But weekend closures have ended. There will be a break for a few months before the next phase north of the the bridge begins.
Crews will start work in the spring on the southbound lanes, which will require another crossover.
Channel 11 found out that a significant repaving project is going to begin next year through the Coraopolis S-bends, which will mean a crossover there, as well.
While Thanksgiving used to mark the end of construction season, crews will continue to work as long as weather allows.
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