Interstate 70 modernization project slated to start in 2028

Preliminary work for a modernization project on 8 miles of Interstate 70 in Washington County, just over the Westmoreland border, is underway.

But it’ll be awhile before motorists see any construction zones. The work is anticipated to start in 2028, said project manager Sean Sepe.

“This is a pretty big job,” he said.

The work will be done between the Bentleyville exit and the bridge near the Speers exit that carries the highway over the Monongahela River. Preliminary engineering started in September with consultant SPK Engineering Inc. of Uniontown, according to spokesman Jay Ofsanik.

Sepe said the construction is anticipated to cost between $150 million and $180 million.

The work will be similar to modernization projects in recent years on Interstate 70 in Westmoreland County. Those projects, some of which remain in progress, have expanded the highway in New Stanton and upgraded exits to allow drivers more space to get on or off the highway.

Engineers are examining the potential for similar improvements on the 8-mile stretch and about four exits, Sepe said. They are doing surveys, engineering and environmental studies as well as soil exploration and other tests to gather information, Ofsanik said. Past improvements at interchanges will not be affected, he said.

PennDOT is undertaking the $500 million modernization project in Westmoreland and Washington counties to improve the corridor built more than 55 years ago, Ofsanik said.

Engineers hope to present plans to the public next year, Sepe said.

“We’re moving towards our first display of plans in the summer of 2021,” he said.

Updates about projects on the highway are available at I-70projects.com.