Drivers need to be alert for traffic pattern changes on I-70, Route 19
Drivers who plan on traveling Interstate 70 near Murtland Avenue and along Route 19 near the highway in South Strabane Township need to be on the lookout this week for the first of several planned changes in traffic patterns for this construction season and the next two years.
The ramps that take Interstate 70 eastbound to Route 19 northbound and I-70 westbound to Route 19 northbound will close March 18, and drivers wanting to exit the highway will now be directed onto temporary ramps.
Drivers coming off I-70 east wanting to travel on Route 19 north will get off the same ramp used by traffic heading to Route 19 south and be directed onto the temporary ramp, where they will encounter a temporary traffic signal so they can make a left turn. Likewise, westbound traffic will be directed off before the interstate crosses Route 19 onto the same ramp used by traffic going south on Route 19. They also will be directed onto a temporary ramp so they can make a left turn to go north on Route 19. Traffic signals were put on flash late last week so drivers on Route 19 could become familiar with the lights.
Left turns from Route 19 south onto Raymond Boulevard (the road leading to Washington Chevrolet) will be prohibited during the construction because the extra lane is needed to accommodate the traffic pattern changes.
Preparatory work began last September toward the replacement of the Murtland Avenue interchange with a diverging diamond interchange. When completed in November 2017, drivers will cross over and switch lanes on Route 19, with traffic signals directing the flow to allow drivers to either pass through the area or get on the interstate. The general contractor for the $53 million project is Golden Triangle Construction of Imperial, Allegheny County.
The closure of the ramps will be a day later than initially anticipated by the contractor. Late last week, the anticipated closure date was March 17.
“We needed an extra day, (in part) because there is a chance of rain Tuesday that could affect line painting,” said Eric Klimas, project manager for Golden Triangle. “So we decided to push it back a day.
“When the road closure signs go up, drivers are going to have to take heed,” he added. “They need to know that they can’t go the same way they used to because that’s how they have always done it. There are going to be some sharp drop-offs.”
The traffic pattern with the ramp closures is similar to what drivers will experience when the diverging diamond interchange is completed, said Scott Faieta, assistant construction engineer for the state Department of Transportation.
Nightly single-lane closures will continue on the eastbound side of I-70 for the next week to 10 days as crews reset barriers in the construction zone. The single-lane construction area will be in place from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. weeknights through Saturday mornings.
Klimas said the westbound lanes will be paved next month to alleviate problems with potholes. One eastbound lane will eventually be switched onto the westbound side.
“By the middle of June, the eastbound lanes will be split and remain that way throughout the construction season,” Klimas said. “Drivers will have to pay attention. The I-70 through lane will be on the westbound side. Drivers wanting to get off on Route 19 will be on the right with a barrier in between.”
State police Sgt. Robert Copechal, patrol section supervisor for Troop B in Washington, said troopers will continue safety patrols in the construction zone between the north junction of Interstate 79 to just east of the Beau Street interchange. The speed limit in the zone is 45 mph. Over the last several weeks, troopers have been monitoring the zone at different times throughout the day and night, issuing citations to violators.
Copechal said troopers will also assist PennDOT with setting up lane closures and eventually ramp closures.
“Drivers need to pay attention and be aware,” Copechal said.
Klimas said this is the first such interchange under construction in the state. One is currently being designed on the eastern side of Pennsylvania.