I-70 project in Westmoreland lauded for use of technology in site design

Renatta Signorini | Monday, August 7, 2023 5:11 p.m.

Courtesy of PennDOT

An overhead view of the new Yukon interchange along Interstate 70 in Westmoreland County.

A $93 million project along Interstate 70 in Westmoreland County received a regional America’s Transportation Award for its use of technology.

The reconstructed interchanges at the Yukon and Madison exits, and 4 miles of highway in between them, used aerial photography rather than traditional on-the-ground surveying and software that modeled traffic in the area of a new industrial park, said Jeremy S. Shaneyfelt, portfolio manager.

“The technologies … were most useful in providing a safe and efficient facility for the traveling public,” he said. “By modeling future conditions, engineers were able to minimize property damage and personal injuries, minimize impacts to adjacent properties and reduce traffic delays.”

The agency received the commendation in July from the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials. The awards are designed to honor state transportation agencies and the impacts the projects have on communities.

The project involved lengthening the acceleration and deceleration lanes at the two exits, constructing an eastbound auxiliary lane between the interchanges and widening the median and shoulders, in addition to the construction of roundabouts. Agency engineers worked with county officials to allow for higher traffic volume to Commerce Crossing at Westmoreland in Sewickley Township, Shaneyfelt said.

The modeling allowed engineers to project how traffic traveling to and from the industrial park off the Madison exit would affect other roads and intersections, he said. Other software helped define where three roundabouts would be best suited to keep traffic moving, the best bridge designs to keep up with traffic demands related to the park and what size retention ponds were necessary to handle stormwater runoff.

The use of technology wasn’t unique, but Shaneyfelt said it was invaluable in adjusting original interchange designs to meet the future needs of the industrial park.

PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll praised the finished product, stating that collaboration resulted in improved design.

“In Westmoreland County, we were able to create a safer system of interchanges and lanes to support the area’s growing communities and commerce,” he said.