PennDOT plans bridge closure, line painting along I-70
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PennDOT plans to close a North Belle Vernon bridge that crosses Interstate 70 on Monday, the day when line painting also is scheduled to begin on the interstate.
The Fayette Street bridge, slated for replacement, is expected to remain closed to all traffic through mid-September, depending on weather that might affect the project.
Motorists will be detoured during the closure.
Those who are driving south on Fayette Street, intending to head east on I-70, instead will exit into the westbound lanes of the interstate. They’ll take the Belle Vernon/Monessen exit (Exit 41), turn left onto Route 906 and then enter eastbound I-70.
Those traveling north on Fayette Street will head east on I-70 and take the Arnold City exit (Exit 44). They’ll turn left on to Indian Hill Road (Route 3011) and then enter I-70 westbound, to reach the North Belle Vernon exit (Exit 42).
PennDOT officials confirmed on Friday the Arnold City exit ramp, which recently was closed for work, has reopened.
The Fayette Street bridge is being replaced because of structural deficiencies, PennDOT said.
It’s among more than 140 state-owned bridges in Westmoreland County that are rated in “poor” condition, with advanced “deterioration of primary structural elements.” The Fayette Street bridge has “poor” ratings for its superstructure and substructure.
The new bridge will have a clearance of 16 feet, 6 inches above the interstate, up from the current 14 feet, 7 inches.
Interstate painting slated in 3 counties
PennDOT announced line painting is expected to continue from Monday through mid-June on sections of I-70 in Westmoreland and Washington counties and on I-79 in Washington and Greene counties.
The painting will happen during daylight hours Mondays through Thursdays.
“Generally, PennDOT is not responsible for paint on vehicles,” according to a news release issued by the department.
PennDOT advises motorists who get paint on their vehicles to immediately wash it off with a high-pressure water stream and detergent. Dried paint can be removed with denatured alcohol and a soft cloth.