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PennDOT Begins Latest Phase in Route 28 Construction Project

The 44,000 motorists that travel Route 28 daily between Pittsburgh and Millvale can expect some additional congestion, as the fourth phase of a major reconstruction project begins Monday.

Traffic on northbound and southbound Route 28 will be shifted into new configurations between East Ohio Street and the 40th Street Bridge.

Personnel will work to move northbound traffic starting Monday at 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. The new pattern will take motorists above the 31st Street Bridge by way of the future on and off-ramps. The 31st Street Bridge will not be accessible from Route 28 in this pattern. Traffic will remain a single lane.

From 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, both southbound lanes will be moved below the 31st Street Bridge, with the current split point eliminated.

Delays and stop conditions are expected while the work occurs.

Steve Cowan, PennDOT press officer, said this round of construction is part of the phase four $36 million plan to renovate the 31st Street Bridge.

“This is just the fourth phase of five phases,” Cowan said. “The next reconfiguration will continue bringing the lanes of traffic, both northbound and southbound under the 31st Street Bridge.”

Work in this stage includes widening and reconstruction to provide a new grade-separated interchange at the 31st Street Intersection, roadway construction, a new median barrier and signal installation, as well as utility relocations.

Cowan urges motorists to use caution when navigating the lane changes.

“During this reconfiguration,” Cowan said, “we want to make sure that everyone is safe and understand that you will be going over (and under) the 31th Street Bridge.”

The lane shifts will be in place for the next month and a half.

Construction is expected to be completed in fall 2014.

$84 million has been invested in the project so far.

The Erie, PA native has been a fellow in the WESA news department since May 2013. Having earned a bachelor's degree in print journalism from Duquesne University, he is now pursuing an M.A. in multi-media management. Michael describes his career aspiration as "I want to do it all in journalism."