Motorists on Interstate 70 will encounter overnight traffic slowdowns and stoppages beginning Wednesday evening, as crews work to replace a bridge over the highway in North Belle Vernon.

According to PennDOT, traffic will be interrupted in 15-minute intervals between 7 p.m. Wednesday and 6 a.m. Thursday. The rolling traffic delays will allow crews to set beams on a new version of the bridge that carries Fayette Street over the interstate.

The replacement bridge will feature a higher clearance above the interstate — 16 feet, 6 inches compared to the previous 14 feet, 7 inches. It will gain a barrier-mounted fence to protect I-70 traffic below.

It is designed to accommodate potential widening of lanes on I-70.

The existing Fayette Street bridge was deemed at risk for being struck by over-height vehicles or loads, according to PennDOT officials.

It had “poor” ratings for its superstructure and substructure. It was among more than 140 state-owned spans in Westmoreland County rated in overall “poor” condition, with advanced “deterioration of primary structural elements.”

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