Ramp work will disrupt traffic at I-70 exit to Route 201 in Rostraver
Motorists can expect traffic disruptions at an Interstate 70 exit in Rostraver as work nears an end on improving a bridge over the interstate.
The work, set to begin Thursday, involves widening of an off-ramp leading from westbound I-70 to southbound Route 201 (Rostraver Road), at Exit 43-A.
Flaggers will control traffic between that ramp and the intersection of Route 201 and Pricedale Road. Traffic restrictions are expected to continue though mid-September, depending on weather conditions.
Additionally, traffic will be subject to dimension restrictions around the clock in the project area: a width restriction of 8.5 feet and a length restriction of 40 feet.
The work is part of a $7.2 million project encompassing improvements to the Rostraver Road bridge and to another span farther west that carries Fayette Street over I-70.
The Rostraver Road bridge was raised by about 8 inches to provide adequate vertical clearance of 14 feet, 8 inches above the interstate. Following that procedure, the bridge reopened to traffic in early May.
The Fayette Street bridge was replaced, also increasing clearance — by nearly 2 feet, to 16 feet, 6 inches.
Before being raised, the Rostraver Road bridge was struck several times by tall vehicles passing beneath it on I-70. The Fayette Street span, which had a “poor” condition rating, was likewise at risk for being struck before the clearance was increased.
Jeff Himler is a TribLive reporter covering Greater Latrobe, Ligonier Valley, Mt. Pleasant Area and Derry Area school districts and their communities. He also reports on transportation issues. A journalist for more than three decades, he enjoys delving into local history. He can be reached at jhimler@triblive.com.
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