I-80/I-99 project will spur detour

PennDOT said that the contractor for its High-Speed Interchange project between interstates 80 and 99 will close a portion of Jacksonville Road between Lyonstown Road and the I-99 interchange beginning Wednesday, Sept. 25. A long-term detour is expected to be in place until the project is completed in the 2030 construction season.

The closure and detour will allow the contractor to conduct large earth moving operations for the project, which will enhance traffic safety by providing a direct connection between the two highways, relieving traffic congestion and realigning service for local traffic.

While this closure is in place, traffic will follow Jacksonville Road to the intersection of North Wilson Street, North Wilson Street to East Bishop Street and East Bishop Street to access Interstate 99.

PennDOT also noted that motorists who have been parking near the interchange at I-99 will no longer be permitted to do so.

Overall work on this project includes building the interchange, 10 bridges, four retaining walls, five box culverts, seven sign structures and three changeable message boards.

It also includes constructing new and rebuilding existing roadways and ramps, drainage improvements, installing Intelligent Transportation Devices, guide rail and highway lighting, pavement marking, stream improvements and miscellaneous construction. Work will continue through the next six construction seasons, ending in 2030.

Trumbull Corp. of Pittsburgh is the contractor on this $259 million project. About $170 million of the funding comes from the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.