I-79 work zone changed following several crashes at crossover

PITTSBURGH — PennDOT has made some major changes on Interstate 79 after three crashes were reported in the two days since a new crossover was introduced.

A 45 mph speed limit was put in place Tuesday morning in the southbound lanes on I-79 in the work zone between the I-279/I-79 split and the Neville Island Bridge. The southbound left-hand express lane remains closed. PennDOT advises motorists to expect major delays and consider alternate routes.

Monday night, 11 News learned that I-79 South in this area will be restricted to a single lane until modifications are made to enhance the safety of the work zone.

The crossover, which is located just past the I-79/I-279 split in the southbound direction, was implemented around noon on Saturday.

One crash shut the road down on Sunday afternoon. The following morning, a driver hit the barricade separating lanes for the crossover. Crews had the express lane, located to the left, closed for several hours as they made repairs.

The left express lane crossed over into the northbound direction and then crossed back over between exit 66 and the Neville Island Bridge. The right local lane, meantime, was being used in order to take exits 66 and 68.

Drivers contacted Channel 11, citing confusion. Channel 11 Traffic Anchor Trisha Pittman reports that several accidents, including tractor trailer rollovers, were reported last year when the crossover was in place in the opposite direction.

We reached out to PennDOT for a response. A spokesman sent us this statement:

“We are making some modifications to the work zone. First, we have requested around-the-clock coverage of the Pennsylvania State Police for the next two weeks as motorists get accustomed to the new set-up. We are also determining whether a reduced speed limit can be implemented in the work zone. Our construction staff is working with the contractor currently to evaluate and make any necessary changes at the crossover location. And we will be adding two additional variable message boards to heighten motorists awareness.”

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