Single-lane restrictions will continue on I-70

PennDOT announced that single-lane restrictions on I-70 in Rostraver Township will continue this week, depending on weather conditions.

The lane restrictions will allow work crews to complete barrier work and line painting ahead of a scheduled traffic switch planned for Thursday and Friday.

Restrictions will be in place from Tuesday night to Friday morning. They’ll run from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. each night at these locations:

• Interstate 70 eastbound between Exit 44 (Arnold City) and Exit 49 (Smithton).

• I-70 westbound between Exit 49 (Smithton) and Exit 44 (Arnold City).

Te work is part of the $120.6 million I-70 at Route 51 Interchange Project, which will reconstruct I-70 at Exit 46. A Diverging Diamond Interchange will replace the current substandard cloverleaf Route 51 interchange.

Back to school

As schools in the Valley start to reopen, PennDOT emphasizes exercising caution, especially in areas with major roadwork.

August is National Backto- School Safety Month, and if there’s road work around your area, it’s recommended to reserve extra time for travel during school days.

Here are some more Penn-DOT recommendations for motorists:

• Pennsylvania’s school bus stopping law mandates drivers approaching a school bus with its red lights flashing and stop arm extended to stop at least 10 feet from the bus.

• If a driver is following or traveling alongside a school bus, they must stop until the red lights have stopped flashing, the stop arm is withdrawn, and all children have reached safety.

• Drivers approaching a stopped school bus from any direction are required to stop.

• If physical barriers such as grassy medians, guide rails or concrete median barriers separate oncoming traffic from the bus, motorists in the opposing lanes may proceed without stopping. If there is no physical barrier, drivers must stop.

PennDOT reminds motorists to exercise caution and drive at the mandated speed limit around school zones. Typically, the speed limit in school zones is 15 miles per hour.

For parents and students, PennDOT recommends arriving at the bus stop five minutes early. While waiting for the bus, stay away from traffic and stand away from the roadway. It’s also recommended that students should always walk at least 10 feet in front of the bus when crossing so the school bus driver can see them.

For more safety tips for drivers and families, visit https://www.pa.gov/agencies/ dmv/driver-services/ school-bus-drivers/schoolbus- safety.