Local

Major construction project to affect traffic on I-79, Route 422 in Butler Co.

MUDDY CREEK TOWNSHIP, Pa. — With the start of spring comes construction season, and one big project in Butler County is about to put the squeeze on drivers.

Channel 11's Amy Marcinkiewicz found out the work at Route 422 and Interstate 79 in Muddy Creek Township will impact a lot of people for an extended period of time.

Pennsylvania Department of Transportation officials have already reduced I-79 north and south at mile-marker 99 to one lane.

This is in advance of the big job -- replacing an entire bridge above Route 422. Crews replaced the northbound bridge last year, and now it’s the southbound’s turn.

PennDOT officials estimate more than 25,000 drivers use the stretch of interstate every day. Those drivers will need to prepare for slow downs and backups on I-79 and Route 422.

Some drivers told Marcinkiewicz on Friday that they had no idea the construction project was coming.

“I knew about it 20 seconds ago when you told me about it. Now, I’m going to avoid this area until it’s done,” Bill O’Connell said. “You have to do what you have to do.”

PennDOT officials said they anticipate the project won’t be done until October, but weather could play a factor.

“Be patient. Hang in there, and be ready for delays,” said Lori Musto, of PennDOT.

Officials said they expect the worst delays will be on Fridays and Saturdays.