I-79 changes — speed limit, express lane shutdown — target work zone safety improvements
PennDOT announced it has made changes to an Interstate 79 construction zone to improve safety.
The I-79 southbound express lane has been closed and a 45 mph speed limit was enacted in the southbound lanes while engineers work through safety changes.
PennDOT spokesman Steve Cowan said the speed limit was put in place Tuesday morning in the work zone between the I-279/I-79 split and the Neville Island Bridge.
Motorists should expect major delays and consider alternate routes, he said.
“We are working through items (at the moment),” Cowan said.
The changes come in the wake of a crossover that was implemented Saturday. Three crashes have been reported since then, with drivers citing confusion, according to Tribune-Review news partner WPXI.
There was a crash that shut down the road Sunday and two others Monday.
PennDOT has requested around-the-clock coverage by state police over the next couple weeks while drivers become used to the changes.
Two message boards are expected to be installed as well.
On Monday, PennDOT announced southbound I-79 will be restricted to a single lane just after the I-279/I-79 split until modifications are complete.
A 45 MPH speed limit has been implemented on I-79 southbound in the work zone located between the I-279/I-79 split and the Neville Island Bridge. Additionally, the SB left-hand lane remains closed at this time. Motorists should expect major delays and consider alternate routes. pic.twitter.com/ajFPCepfU0
— 511PA Pittsburgh (@511PAPittsburgh) February 21, 2023
Tawnya Panizzi is a TribLive reporter. She joined the Trib in 1997. She can be reached at tpanizzi@triblive.com.
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