WEST END CIRCLE TRAFFIC PATTERNS TO CHANGE ON FRIDAY 11/7/2008

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Engineering District 1145 Thoms Run Road Bridgeville PA 15017

CONTACT: Jim Struzzi, Press Officer (412) 429-5010 (Office)(412) 292-9357 (Cell Phone)

Traffic Advisory:
WEST END TRAFFIC PATTERNS CHANGE SIGNIFICANTLY FRIDAY (PDF map attached)
Pittsburgh, PA (11/04/2008)

PennDOT District 11 is advising motorists traffic patterns through the West End Circle area of the City of Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, will change significantly on Friday evening, Nov. 7, 2008. A map is attached showing the new traffic pattern changes.The following changes will occur beginning at approximately 6 p.m. on Friday:

• The new bridge (South Main Street Connector) between Route 60 (South Main Street) and Steuben Street will open.

• Dumas Street will permanently close. Dumas Street is the short connection between Steuben Street and Route 19 (Saw Mill Run Boulevard). o To access northbound Route 60, stay in far right lane.o To access downtown/South Side, remain on Steuben Street, stay in second right lane using new South Main Street Connector Bridgeo To access Route 19 to Fort Pitt Tunnel and I-279 (Parkway West), use two left lanes.

• Traffic signals on Route 19 and Steuben Street at Dumas Street intersections will be removed improving traffic flow through the West End.

• Route 60 (South Main Street) will remain closed through early 2009 to allow crews to replace the bridge over Saw Mill Run.

• Northbound (inbound) Route 19 from the Fort Pitt Tunnel to the West End will be reduced to a single lane daily through March 2009

• Access maintained to Artifacts using the new South Main Street Connector Bridge. Area residents are also reminded access is being provided to and from all businesses in the West End.

The changes are necessary as construction on the $52.6 million West End Improvement Project progresses. The change represents significant improvements through the West End and should allow traffic to flow better during construction and after by permanently removing traffic signals at the Dumas Street intersections. PennDOT advises motorists to slow down, be prepared for traffic stoppages, and use caution when traveling through the area.

The West End Improvement Project is located at the south end of the West End Bridge, known locally as the West End Circle. The West End Circle is comprised of four main roadways: Saw Mill Run Boulevard (State Route 19 and State Route 51), West Carson Street (State Route 837), South Main Street (State Route 60) and Steuben Street. The project includes the re-alignment and reconstruction of the West End Circle, replacement of two bridges, widening of Route 19, lengthening acceleration and deceleration lanes, construction of three retaining walls and new drainage, guide rail, landscaping, highway lighting, traffic signals, signing, pavement markings, ITS components, and other improvements. Route 19 (Saw Mill Run Boulevard) will be realigned with the West End Bridge using the existing Norfolk Southern Railroad overpass, which was advanced as a separate project so the bridge could be used as an alternative route during the rehabilitation of the Fort Pitt Bridge and Tunnel several years ago. Construction will conclude in summer 2010.

The prime contractor for the project is the Trumbull Corporation, of West Mifflin, PA. Details, history, and renderings of the project are available on the District 11 website, www.dot.state.pa.us, by clicking “PennDOT Near You,” then the “11” on the map, “Roadwork” and then “Featured Construction Projects