Parkway East Improvement Project Launches Monday
Significant changes are set to begin on the Parkway East starting Monday, as the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) initiates a comprehensive two-year improvement project. This endeavor follows years of deterioration, amounting to an estimated $300 million in necessary repairs.
Parkway East Improvement Project Details
According to John Myler, senior assistant construction manager at PennDOT, the last major rehabilitation of this section occurred in 2009. The current project aims to enhance safety and longevity for drivers.
Key Timelines
- Project Start: Monday
- Duration: Two years
- Bridge Closure: Late summer for 25 days
Construction Schedule and Impacts
Drivers should anticipate overnight closures between the Edgewood/Swissvale and Churchill interchanges on weeknights from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. Shoulders will be closed weekdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The improvement project includes work on five Parkway ramps:
- Edgewood/Swissvale (Exit 77) interchange ramps
- Eastbound I-376 ramp to Forest Hills (Exit 78A)
- Wilkinsburg (Exit 78B) interchange ramps
- Eastbound I-376 ramp to Greensburg Pike (Exit 79A)
- Churchill (Exit 79B) interchange ramps
Myler indicated that much of the initial work is preparatory, focusing on measurements needed for the fabrication of bridge bearings and expansion dams. Significant ground work is expected to commence in the spring.
Safety Enhancements and Long-Term Benefits
The project will feature the replacement of median barriers to enhance safety, as current barriers are deemed inadequate compared to new standards. Improvements will also include milling and repaving to minimize potholes in the future.
Most construction activities will occur at night and on weekends to lessen disruption for daily commuters. Motorists are encouraged to stay informed about the ongoing changes to ensure their safety during this extensive two-year improvement period.
