Work continues on Interstate 70
The beams for the bridge that carries Interstate 70 over Route 19 are down and being sandblasted so they can be reset later this month as work continues on the construction of the diverging diamond interchange at the Murtland Avenue exit of Interstate 70 in South Strabane Township.
“The beams are being blasted and repainted,” said Scott Faieta, assistant construction engineer for the state Department of Transportation. “This is a critical operation for the work on I-70.”
The eight beams were removed the second week of August and taken to the infield area of the north junction with Interstate 79 for the blasting and painting. Faieta said there will be lane restrictions on Route 19 from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. on Sept. 10 and 11 so the beams can be reset.
“By the end of September, we will start replacing the deck,” Faieta said.
Work began a year ago on the $54 million project, which is expected to be completed in November 2017. Golden Triangle Construction of Imperial is the general contractor.
With the exception of the restrictions later this month, drivers should not expect to see any changes in traffic patterns on I-70 or Route 19 for the time being.
“Traffic will stay in the same configuration from now through just before Thanksgiving,” Faieta said. “There have been some alterations on the on and off ramps to accommodate concrete work.”
Additional signs will be placed, particularly on I-70 eastbound, reminding drivers planning to continue through on the highway and not get off on Murtland or Beau Street to use the left lane of the highway. Traffic going from I-79 southbound to I-70 eastbound often backs up during heavy travel times.
“With the Labor Day holiday, we are trying to alleviate any backlog,” Faieta said.
Drivers could experience some backups later this month when PennDOT removes two bridges that took I-70 over I-79. The spans are being replaced with box culverts. Faieta said the work on the eastbound side is tentatively set for Sept. 18 through 21. Traffic will be restricted to one lane eastbound and one lane to I-79 south.
Faieta said the project is on schedule, adding that the nice weather has helped. The contractor has been paid about $20 million for work done so far. Faieta said the budget impasse has not affected payments to Golden Triangle.