Roadwork Set For Parkway East, Route 28
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- Just because winter is here, doesn't mean drivers won't have to dodge those dreaded orange barrels. Thanks to warmer than average temperatures and a lack of snow, construction season isn't slowing down just yet.
"This good weather is allowing us to continue construction season well beyond what most people would experience in the winter months here in Western Pennsylvania," PennDOT spokesman Jim Struzzi adds, "but the weather is good, the contractors want to keep working and we want to let them."
In fact, crews will be busy with several big projects this week.
Route 8 Ramp:
Crews will be closing the ramp from Route 8 to the Highland Park Bridge for barrier work; but fortunately, the rush hours won't be impacted. "Overnight restrictions only," Struzzi explains. "I just want people to know that when they see the signs out there stating that the ramp is going to be closed, it will not affect their morning commute."
A detour is posted and the project isn't expected to last long. Struzzi says the restrictions are expected to wrap up by the end of the week. "They should be finished up by Friday morning. If they don't finish by Friday, they are planning to come back on Sunday; but we expect them to be done this week."
Route 28:
Construction along Route 28 is certainly not new, but this week, drivers will see some additional restrictions overnight from 8 p.m. until 5 a.m. in the morning between East Ohio Street and the 40th Street Bridge.
"We're going to continue the construction on the new retaining walls that will be built along the southbound lanes," Struzzi adds, "but to do that we need to take one lane. There will be one lane open at all times in each direction on Route 28."
Parkway East:
The Parkway East is another place that motorists will need to use caution this week.
Crews will be doing minor work like testing lights along the highway between Penn Hills and the Pennsylvania Turnpike every day for about the next month. PennDOT says drivers can expect brief lane closures from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. as needed each day.
Boston Bridge
Finally, in Versailles, construction will continue on the Boston Bridge.
While contractors paint and install handrails, drivers should be on alert for single lane alternating traffic from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. through Friday.
Remember, within any construction zone: slow down, be alert, and use caution!
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