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August 12, 2011

Senator John Pippy E-News

PennDOT Weekend Traffic Alerts

PennDOT District 11
Weekend Construction Summary
August 12-15, 2011

Pittsburgh, PA – PennDOT District 11 is reminding motorists several highway and bridge improvements will be occurring in Allegheny County this weekend, Aug. 12-15.

All activities are weather permitting and subject to change. Motorists should plan their travels accordingly by anticipating highway work zones, slowing down, exercising patience and being safe.

PennDOT is also reminding motorists approaching lane restricted highway work zones to use all open lanes to the merge point. Please be courteous to other motorists and allow them to merge. The effectiveness of traffic flow in highway work zones is highly dependent on driver behavior. Using all lanes and allowing a consistent, courteous merge will reduce congestion and delay and help traffic move smooth and safe through the work zone.

The HOV lanes on the Parkway North (I-279) are open to all outbound traffic on weekends after 7 p.m. on Friday and remain open until 5 a.m. on Mondays. In addition, the two passenger vehicle rule does not apply during weekend hours. To alleviate congestion, motorists are encouraged to use the HOV lanes to exit the downtown area following sports games and other events on weekends.

Below is a summary of the major closings and restrictions this weekend:

SHORT TERM:
I-579 Crosstown Boulevard Closures 
Bridge/Ramp work 

The ramp from southbound I-579 (Crosstown Boulevard) to the southbound Liberty Bridge (Route 3069) in the City of Pittsburgh will be closed from 8 p.m. on Friday through approximately 6 a.m. on Monday. Crews will replace bearings under the ramp. The detour will use Grant Street to the Boulevard of the Allies.

Full release: Southbound I-579 to Boulevard of the Allies Closed this Weekend in Pittsburgh
Google Map of Area:  http://maps.google.com/maps?ll=40.439958,-79.993987&spn=0.025673,0.038581&z=15   

I-376 - Parkway West
Drainage Improvements

Outbound (westbound) single lane traffic will occur on I-376 (Parkway West) from 10 p.m. on Friday to 6 a.m. Saturday between the Greentree (Exit 67) and Carnegie (Exit 65) interchanges. Crews will improve drainage.

Full release: Outbound Parkway West Drainage Repairs Begin Thursday Night in Greentree
Google Map of Area:  http://maps.google.com/maps?ll=40.414999,-80.061407&spn=0.025682,0.038581&z=15

Bridge Inspection

Single lane closures on the inbound (eastbound) Parkway West (I-376) between the Rosslyn Farms (Exit 64B) and Carnegie (Exit 65) interchanges in Allegheny County will occur as needed from 6 a.m. to noon Sunday. Crews from Mackin Engineering and the Sofis Rigging Company will conduct routine bridge inspection activities.

Full release: Inbound Parkway West Bridge Inspection Sunday Morning
Google Map of Area: http://maps.google.com/maps?ll=40.415718,-80.086727&spn=0.025682,0.038581&z=15

I-79
Lane Closures

Single lane traffic will occur on southbound I-79 between the Cranberry and Wexford interchanges (Exits 78-73) from 10 p.m. on Friday through 5 p.m. on Saturday. Significant delays should be expected on southbound I-79 Saturday.

Full release: Southbound I-79 Single Lane Friday and Saturday in Marshall
Google Maps: http://maps.google.com/maps?ll=40.629262,-80.093851&spn=0.0512,0.077162&z=14

LONG TERM:
Route 65 
Lane Closures

Route 65 (Ohio River Boulevard) in the City of Pittsburgh is closed long-term in both directions at the Marshall Avenue (Route 19) interchange continuously through late November 2011. Crews are rehabilitating the mainline Route 65 bridges at the interchange between the West End and McKees Rocks bridges. Traffic is being detoured using the on-and-off ramps to Beaver Avenue and California Avenue.

Full release: Route 65 Long-Term Closures Begin July 15 at Marshall Avenue Interchange in Pittsburgh
Google Maps: http://maps.google.com/maps?ll=40.457985,-80.0245&spn=0.051331,0.077162&z=14

Route 28
Lane Closures

Northbound Route 28 is reduced to a single lane between the 31st and 40th street bridges in the City of Pittsburgh through 2012.

Full release: Route 28 East Ohio Street Improvements Begin Aug. 23 at 40th Street Bridge in Millvale
Google Maps: http://maps.google.com/maps?ll=40.469282,-79.976006&spn=0.025661,0.038581&z=15

I-579/Crosstown Boulevard
Bridges and Ramps

The ramp from the westbound Boulevard of the Allies to the southbound Liberty Bridge (Route 3069) is closed continuously through Aug. 20 for bridge rehabilitation.

Full release: Boulevard of the Allies Ramp to Liberty Bridge Long-Term Closure Begins Sunday in Pittsburgh
Google Maps: http://maps.google.com/maps?ll=40.439958,-79.993987&spn=0.025673,0.038581&z=15

The bridges that connect Sixth and Seventh avenues to Washington Place over I-579 near the Civic Arena are closed continuously through mid-October 2011.

Full release: I-579 Crosstown Boulevard Ramp Closures Long-Term Detours Begin this Weekend in Pittsburgh
Google Maps: http://maps.google.com/maps?ll=40.439958,-79.993987&spn=0.025673,0.038581&z=15

For more information, visit the District 11 website, www.dot.state.pa.us , click PennDOT near you, “11” under “roadwork”. PennDOT reminds motorists to call the construction hotline at 412-429-6035 for information and current activities on the Parkway East, Parkway West, Parkway North, I-79 and Route 28. All work is weather permitting.

Call 1-800 FIX ROAD to report roadway problems and concerns.

Log on to 511pa.com or call 511 from any phone to check traffic conditions and cameras on major roadways before traveling. The 511 system also automatically feeds Twitter accounts with information such as incidents, construction notices and weather alerts. The Pittsburgh/Southwestern-region account, www.twitter.com/511PAPittsburgh, covers Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Fayette, Greene, Indiana, Lawrence, Washington and Westmoreland counties. Follow PennDOT to receive real-time updates.

District 11 offers specialized information for particular roadways and projects. Potential email subscribers should specify preferences for receiving information for the following categories:

• All roadways and bridges in Allegheny, Beaver or Lawrence counties;
• Weekend work and restrictions in Allegheny County (this will only include restrictions and work activities that occur on weekends);
• Parkway East (I-376);
• Parkway West (I-376) ;
• Parkway North (I-279);
• Interstate 79;
• West Liberty Avenue and Liberty Tunnel Improvements;
• Route 28 (Allegheny Valley Expressway);
• Route 65 (Ohio River Boulevard);
• Route 48 Boston Bridge; and
• Route 19 Wexford Flats Project.