Pennsylvania provides update on I-70, Route 51 project

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Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) officials recently provided a project update on the more than $120 million I-70 and Route 51 Interchange Improvement Project.

The project is the most expensive in PennDOT District 12’s history.

The project will widen and reconstruct more than two miles of I-70, modernize Route 51 by reconstructing one mile of roadway, replace the cloverleaf interchange at Route 51 with a Diverging Diamond Interchange, relocate Finley Road and Route 981, and improve nine structures. The project also will include other associated improvements.

“Thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, Pennsylvanians are seeing more roadway and bridge improvements than would have been possible without it,” PennDOT Acting Executive Deputy Secretary Melissa Batula said. “We have no shortage of needs, and we have many meaningful projects that will modernize our infrastructure while creating sustainable, good-paying jobs.”

The project included in District 12’s I-70 Modernization strategy will take place over the next five years. The strategy includes investment in the I-70 corridor from Washington to the New Stanton Interchange.

Pennsylvania will receive $4 billion in federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funds over the next five years. PennDOT District 12 will receive at least $134 million, including a $20 million cash flow adjustment using dedicated bridge funding.