About $528 million in Southwestern Pa. roadwork detailed by PennDOT

By Jeff Himler
Trib Total Media
The work includes everything from reconfiguring a highway interchange in Rostraver to improving traffic signal features at nearly 50 intersections.
The projects represent a combined cost of about $528 million in federal and state funding for work in PennDOT District 12, which includes Westmoreland, Fayette, Washington and Greene counties.
Work to update and reshape the interchange at Interstate 70 and Route 51 has continued through two winters in Rostraver. When it’s done, it will be the second “diverging diamond” interchange in District 12, allowing drivers on Route 51 to make a left turn onto the interstate without making a potentially hazardous maneuver across an opposing lane of traffic.
Installed in 2016 at I-70 and Route 19 in Washington County, that pattern is achieved through a crossover of traffic lanes, controlled by signals.
“It’s probably one of the most expensive projects we’ve let in the district,” said Bill Beaumariage, District 12 assistant district executive for construction.
Included in the $120.6 million price are updates of a 3-mile section of I-70 and a 1.5-mile stretch of Route 51.
On Monday, after PennDOT wrapped up a media preview of District 12 construction plans at the Brownsville Borough office, contractors were busy adjusting traffic signals and signs on Route 51 in preparation for a planned April 8 shift in lane restrictions. Traffic will be limited to a single lane in each direction there for about 18 months.

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