PennDOT seeks public input on aesthetics of Wexford Interchange

PennDOT is inviting motorists to chime in on the aesthetics of the Interstate 79/Route 910 Wexford Interchange Project in Marshall through Jan. 31.

An online survey asks for color and concrete texture preferences, which will help determine the project’s look.

There are two color options:

• Nautilus Blue, a lighter blue that matches adjacent bridges on I-79;

• Hulton Green, a lighter green that previously was used for the Hulton Bridge.

There are three concrete texture options:

• Basalt, a texture that mimics natural basalt rock face;

• Roughcast Angular Stone, stacked weathered stone with rounded edges;

• Chiseled-cut Ashlar Stone, stacked stone with straight edges.

To complete the Wexford Interchange Aesthetic Survey, visit https://tinyurl.com/3jtafbzm. Participation is limited to one vote per person.

The online survey includes renderings of what each color and stone face would look like on the structure.

“PennDOT has tried to gather feedback throughout the design process on this project. The aesthetic design survey is another opportunity for PennDOT to see what design options the public prefers. This survey was recently utilized on the Commercial Street Bridge project and had great success with feedback,” according to Nicole Haney, community relations coordinator for PennDOT District 11.

Work is set to begin in late summer.

According to PennDOT project manager Zachary Kamnikar in a virtual meeting in February 2023, the I-79 Wexford interchange project aims to alleviate traffic problems along Wexford Bayne Road, VIP Drive and Brandt School Road, as well as adjacent intersections and the interchange on and off I-79.

“We are asking the public for input on the aesthetic design, this includes anyone who traverses this area/utilizes these two roadways during their daily commutes,” Haney said.

The project will construct a full offset, single-point urban interchange. It will include adding two new flyover ramps connecting the northbound I-79 off-ramp and on-ramp and eliminating the existing northbound ramps on Route 910, which currently are located on the side closest to Brandt School Road and VIP Drive.

The project, scheduled to go out to bid in June, is expected to begin by late summer, Haney said. The anticipated cost is more than $50 million.

The area provides a critical link to I-79, numerous neighborhoods, Soergel’s Orchard on Brandt School Road, a UPMC medical facility and numerous restaurants and businesses, according to Kamnikar.

“The project’s purpose is to improve the interchange operations to acceptably accommodate current and future traffic demands, as well as to reduce the potential for crashes at the interchange and along Route 910 within the project area,” Haney said.

Construction may require temporary right-of-way, but nothing permanent will be needed. The Route 910 structure will be preserved.

The department anticipates the new interchange operating in late 2026 or early 2027, with all work being completed by the fall of 2027. The anticipated opening is still tentative and bars anything unforeseen, Haney noted.

“We do not anticipate major impacts to motorists in 2025 as structure work begins off mainline I-79/Route 910,” she said.

The project is taking place in the municipalities of Marshall and Franklin Park.

“As the project gets closer to the construction phase, we will receive communication from the construction contractor about any planned detours and traffic pattern changes relating to the project,” said Bradford Woods Manager Rusti Null.

Marshall Township also will work with PennDOT as necessary as the project moves forward, said Julie Bastianini, township manager.

The 2023 presentation and project timeline are available to view at www.penndot.pa.gov.

News releases will be issued in advance of any work or impacts that take place.

To help keep motorists informed, PennDOT has established an email distribution list for Interstate 79 traffic advisories and construction updates. Residents can enroll by sending their email address to nhaney@pa.gov. Please write “Subscribe – Interstate 79” in the subject line, Haney said.