Dec 7, 2017 2 min read

While most of the work being done on Interstate 70 between the East Beau and Eighty Four exits in South Strabane Township has come to a close for this construction season, some work will continue in spite of the colder temperatures.

“The colder weather actually benefits us when it comes to moving dirt around,” said Scott Faieta, assistant construction engineer for the state Department of Transportation who is overseeing the project. “It is an ideal condition because we are not dealing with slop from mud.”

Faieta said the work drivers see going on as they travel the highway is what they will continue to see until next March or April. The last lane closure of the season happened Thursday night to repair a guardrail damaged in a crash.

“There will be no more lane closures or shifts,” Faieta said. “The only time a lane may close is if emergency repairs are needed.”

Crews from Lane Construction, the primary contractor for the $118 million project, will continue to work in the median and off the shoulders, away from the traffic lanes. Faieta said they will be doing excavation work and work on drainage and stormwater ponds. They also will tunnel under the highway to install pipes.

“Paving is done for the year,” Faieta said. “But when the spring comes, we’ll be prepared and ready to go.”

Faieta said the project is on schedule. The westbound lanes will be constructed in 2018. The project will be done in October 2020.