Preliminary Engineering for the project began on Sept. 16, 2020. The project will consider mainline improvements along Interstate 70 (I-70) in the project area that includes the Lover Interchange (Exit 36). The purpose of this reconstruction project is to:
This project will:
The Project Team reviewed several options for the interchange:
The project team developed an Alternatives Analysis report which evaluated each of the alternatives related to safety, traffic, environmental, and right-of-way impacts, costs, and public involvement. The report was approved by PennDOT and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) on June 22, 2022 and recommended a new full diamond interchange at the Lover Interchange (Exit 36).
Key features of the project:
View project mapping to learn more details about this area.
A public meeting was held to provide an opportunity for general public review and feedback on the recommended alternative.
The meeting was held at the Mon Valley Career and Technology Center. A total of 22 public officials (or other stakeholders) attended the Public Officials Briefing, and 81 people signed in for the Open House Public Plans Display. Common concerns included noise, property, safety, roadway, drainage, and pedestrian access.
In September 2021, PennDOT conducted a Stakeholders Meeting with representatives of various community segments to provide a project status update and solicit feedback on the CCA findings.
A Community Context Audit (CCA) was conducted in early 2021 to discuss the project with state, county, and local public officials, the PA Turnpike Commission, emergency service providers, business owners, schools, and other stakeholders to gather input about local interests in the project. The information gathered during these interviews is used by the Project Team to inform project development.