PennDOT Announces 2013 Highway Improvement Projects for Forest Hills Area

PennDOT will be working on a number of highway and bridge improvement projects in 2013, including the following projects in the Forest Hills-Regent Square area:

• Parkway East Squirrel Hill Tunnel Rehabilitation: Work on a major $49.4 million project to rehabilitate the Squirrel Hill Tunnel started in 2012 will continue through this year. Single direction weekend closures will occur through spring and fall. Lane closures through the tunnel in both directions occur on weeknights. The project includes updating electrical systems, lighting system, control system, ventilation system, structural repairs to the walls and arched ceiling, installation of a water line and other improvements. Overall work will conclude in summer 2014.
• Tri-Boro T Intersection: Work on this $13.4 million project started in late summer 2012 to reconstruct the final T leg of the elevated Route 2037 Tri-Boro Expressway intersection with East Pittsburgh McKeesport Boulevard in East Pittsburgh. The project includes steel multi-girder bridge rehabilitation including replacement of steel beams, concrete deck, concrete barrier, bearings, expansion dams, pier replacement, substructure repairs, approach slabs, drainage, signing and other improvements on the Tri-Boro Expressway between Versailles Avenue (Route 2026) and Electric Avenue (Route 2122). A detour is in place for East Pittsburgh McKeesport Boulevard. Work will conclude in fall 2013.  
• Route 30 Electric Avenue Bridges: Work resumed this March on a $7.8 million project to replace the bridges that carry Route 30 over Electric Avenue (Route 2112) in North Braddock. Crews will be reconstructing the westbound bridge on Route 30 this construction season. Work to reconstruct the eastbound bridge was completed last year. Single lane traffic in each direction is being maintained using a crossover. Overall work will conclude this fall. 
• Route 130 Tri-Boro Wall Repair: Work will start this spring on this $917,000 project to repair five bin walls on the Tri-Boro Expressway between Sycamore Street and Maple Avenue in Wilmerding Borough. Work will conclude in fall 2013. Short-term detours will occur.

“Construction and highway maintenance season is underway with many transportation improvements planned for our region,” said PennDOT District Executive Dan Cessna. “While we are out there making our roads and bridge better for the traveling public, we urge motorists to slow down and stay alert in work zones. Lives depend on you.”