Demolition of North Belle Vernon bridge will interrupt evening traffic on I-70
Motorists on Interstate 70 will encounter periodic traffic slowdowns or stoppages near the North Belle Vernon exit as crews demolish the bridge carrying Fayette Street over the interstate.
According to PennDOT, the traffic interruptions are slated to occur in 15-minute intervals between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m., beginning Tuesday and continuing through June 4.
That schedule is subject to weather conditions.
The demolition will make way for a new bridge — with 16 feet, 6 inches of clearance above the interstate, up from the current 14 feet, 7 inches.
The existing bridge is among more than 140 state-owned spans in Westmoreland County that are rated in “poor” condition, with advanced “deterioration of primary structural elements.” The Fayette Street bridge has “poor” ratings for its superstructure and substructure.
A detour for the bridge is expected to continue through mid-September.
Those who are driving south on Fayette Street, intending to head east on I-70, instead will exit into the westbound lanes of the interstate. They’ll take the Belle Vernon/Monessen exit (Exit 41), turn left onto Route 906 and then enter eastbound I-70.
Those traveling north on Fayette Street will head east on I-70 and take the Arnold City exit (Exit 44). They’ll turn left on to Indian Hill Road (Route 3011) and then enter I-70 westbound, to reach the North Belle Vernon exit (Exit 42).
Jeff Himler is a TribLive reporter covering Greater Latrobe, Ligonier Valley, Mt. Pleasant Area and Derry Area school districts and their communities. He also reports on transportation issues. A journalist for more than three decades, he enjoys delving into local history. He can be reached at jhimler@triblive.com.
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