Pennsylvania Department of Transportation officials announced Thursday that the ramp from southbound Interstate 579 to the eastbound Boulevard of the Allies and the Parkway East reopened four days ahead of schedule.

The ramp had been closed since mid-July for painting and other bridge rehabilitation improvements,

The work is part of the $36 million Crosstown Boulevard/Veterans Bridge Preservation Projects Phases I & II. Construction will conclude in 2013.

PennDOT officials said traffic on southbound I-579 will remain in a single-lane pattern and ramp traffic from downtown will be required to stop before entering southbound I-579. These traffic restrictions will remain in place through early Monday morning.