Due to the increasing traffic demand, PennDOT is now ready to proceed with a long-awaited $259 million High-Speed Interchange that is planned to connect I-80 and I-99 near Bellefonte. The construction of this large project is expected to commence next Wednesday. The idea of this project is to enhance road safety and reduce traffic congestion by connecting two main highways without using Route 26.
Project overview
During the initial stage, the expansion of five-miles of I-80 that starts at ‘158’ and extends up to ‘163’ is proposed. To enable this work to be carried out, the traffic on this section shall be restricted to one lane per direction for one month at night between 6 p. m. and 6 a. m. While construction activities will occur during the day, PennDOT has noted that these construction activities will not likely interfere with the flow of traffic during the day.
This extensive program is expected to last until 2030 and would require several major construction initiatives. The components of the project include the construction of the new interchange; construction of ten bridges; construction of four retaining walls; and erection of five box culverts. Each of them is vital for the general success of the interchange because they will all contribute to the improvement of connectivity and traffic conditions in the area.
Significance
The last stage of the $259 million High-Speed Interchange in Bellefonte is going to focus on Route 26, where reconstruction and widening of the road is expected to occur in a big scale. Last Thursday, Penn- dot informed the public that Glenn O. Hawbaker, a local construction firm, submitted the lowest bid for this segment of the project at $8. Construction is expected to start in 2026 for this phase, making their timeline clear and the company’s goal of enhancing the region’s infrastructure more believable.
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