On your mark, get set, detour: PennDOT announces construction highlights
ERIE — Watch out for the orange barrels, it's construction season.
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) announced more than 100 projects in the northwest region this year, representing an estimated investment of more than $219 million in state and local roads and bridges.
'Every Pennsylvanian deserves a safe and reliable transportation network, no matter where they live,' Secretary Mike Carroll said. 'Our investments in this region reflect the Shapiro Administration's commitment to improving lives in every community in this state, and I'm proud of the many ways in which our team in District 1 works hard to meet the transportation needs of the people of northwest PA.'
PennDOT anticipates investing more than $219 million in the region spanning Crawford, Erie, Forest, Mercer, Venango and Warren counties. This investment includes rehabilitating, reconstructing and resurfacing more than 100 miles of highways and working on 43 bridges.
Standing out among the projects starting this year is the reconstruction of the first 5 miles of Interstate 80 in Mercer County. Slated to start in early April, the $115.7 million project will rebuild both eastbound and westbound lanes, as well as replace a bridge and repair seven other structures.
'Interstate 80 in Mercer County is a gateway into Pennsylvania for thousands of travelers coming into the commonwealth from the west and, therefore, serves an important role in the economy for the entire state,' said PennDOT District 1 Executive Brian McNulty. 'A project of this scale, one of the largest projects ever awarded in District 1, acknowledges the pivotal function I-80 plays in Pennsylvania and is just the start of our plans.'
This project will kick off a series of contracts to reconstruct the first 15 miles of I-80 over the next six years. Following this project, PennDOT anticipates awarding a contract for similar work on miles 11 to 15 and 6 to 10, which are currently in design. In the meantime, the department will make repairs to needed sections of the interstate in Mercer County.
It also will be a busy year for bridge work throughout the region with 33 bridges slated for repairs or replacements this year. Contracts for another 12 are scheduled to be awarded for work in 2026.
Notable projects in Crawford County that will see active work, followed by the project cost and work schedule:
• Route 6 reconstruction. Reconfiguring and reconstructing the roadway from Mead Avenue to Baldwin Street Extension in Meadville and West Mead Township. Work will also include upgrades at three intersections, drainage upgrades, construction of a new multi-use trail, and right-of-way fence removal; $16.7 million. Started in 2024. Work to be completed in 2025.
• Route 6. Reconstructing the roadway from Route 618 to Route 19 in Conneaut Lake Borough and Sadsbury and Vernon townships; $5.2 million. Started in 2024. Work to be completed in 2025.
• Interstate 79. Restoring the highway from the Mercer County line to the Geneva Swamp Bridges near the Greenwood and Union township border; $8.9 million. Started in 2024. Work to be completed in 2025.
• Route 8/77. Intersection safety improvements including a slight intersection realignment; $3 million.
• Route 6 bridge. Replacement of the bridge that carries Route 6 over French Creek in Hayfield and Woodcock townships; $6.8 million.
• Route 285. Paving 4.7 miles of Route 285 in North Shenango Township; $1.85 million.
• Route 77. Paving 3.27 miles of Route 77 in Sparta Township and Spartansburg Borough; $1.33 million.
• Route 322. Paving 2.68 miles of Route 322 in the City of Meadville and West Mead Township; $1.9 million.
• Dunham Road bridge. Replacement of the bridge that carries Dunham Road (Route 2039) bridge over Cussewago Creek in Vernon Township. Expected bid opening on June 26, 2025. Work to be completed in 2026.
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