The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation has reopened the crossover lane on Interstate 79 in the North Hills to create two southbound lanes of traffic, but there are additional restrictions in the area.
The department closed the crossover lane Monday night that takes the left southbound lane onto the northbound side of the road after several accidents in the first three days it was open. Crews created the crossover so they could close one of the usual southbound lanes for rehabilitation work on four bridges between the Red Mud Hollow overpass and the Neville Island Bridge, with the left lane an express lane with no exits and the right allowing exits at Mt. Nebo and Route 65 (Ohio River Boulevard).
The crossover lane reopened Friday afternoon with a speed limit of 45 miles an hour with 24-hour enforcement by Pennsylvania State Police and a prohibition against trucks using the express lane. Trucks can use the right local lane.
Crews also installed more signs approaching the area, rumble strips and raised pavement to remind drivers to slow down, four more signs in the restricted area reminding drivers of the new speed limit and signs encouraging drivers to make an early decision on which lane they want to use.
The $26.5 million project by Joseph B. Fay Co. also includes repaving the road surface and replacing guide rails and signs. When the southbound side is finished in November, there will be a similar crossover to have one lane of northbound traffic on the southbound side.
Ed covers transportation at the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, but he's currently on strike. Email him at eblazina@unionprogress.com.