FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
12/2/04
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PENNDOT DISTRICT 11                
45 Thoms Run Road
Bridgeville, PA 15017

Karl Ishman, P.E.,
District Executive

CONTACT:  Catherine Tress
Press Office:  412-429-5010

  FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:                                        

STATUS UPDATE ON I-79 MISSING RAMPS PROJECT 

          PITTSBURGH, (DECEMBER 1, 2004) – The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), is issuing a status update on the progress being made regarding Interstate 79 missing ramps project that will include the construction of two new ramps connecting I-79 and the Parkway West.  

            One ramp will connect I-79 Southbound with Route 22/30 toward the Pittsburgh International Airport, and the other ramp will connect Route 22/30 Eastbound toward Pittsburgh to I-79 Northbound.   

            “PennDOT’s project team is working diligently moving the project through the final design phase and is progressing on schedule as planned,” said Karl Ishman, P.E., District 11’s District Executive.  “The goal of this project is to improve economic development in the airport corridor and allow for easier access to the businesses and reduce traffic congestion on Route 60 so PennDOT is aware of its importance to the region, “Ishman added. 

            The first public meeting to gather input from the public and stakeholders was held in the fall of 2002 and a second public meeting was held the following year in 2003.  The preliminary design phase and the preliminary alternatives meeting included reaching a consensus of one design from a selection of several and gathering public input. All environmental clearances were approved in January of 2004.  On March 12, 2004, the project team received Notice to Proceed with Final Design.  A final public meeting will take place in the summer of 2005. 

            The Final Design stage involves the final developments of roadway, bridge and traffic plans.  It also includes the development of a right-of-way plan, and right-of-way acquisition.  Once this phase is accomplished, a complete set of plans, specifications, and estimates for the project will be ready for the solicitation of construction bids.  

            During construction, major impact to traffic is not warranted and there will be no lane closures as it stands now.  Periodic traffic restrictions will be incurred, mostly during the night.  

            This 63 million dollar project is on schedule to be open for bids in the spring of 2006 and construction to begin.  The project is anticipated to be completed in late 2008. 

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