2 bridge projects over I-70 to begin in North Belle Vernon, Rostraver

PennDOT is planning this summer to begin work on replacing the bridge that carries Fayette Street over Interstate 70 in North Belle Vernon.

It’s among more than 140 state-owned bridges in Westmoreland County that are rated in “poor” condition, with advanced “deterioration of primary structural elements.” The Fayette Street bridge has “poor” ratings for both its superstructure and substructure.

According to PennDOT, the new bridge will have a higher clearance above the interstate — 16 feet, 6 inches, up from the current 14 feet, 7 inches. The new bridge also is designed to accommodate potential widening of lanes on I-70, an ongoing improvement along the interstate corridor in Westmoreland and Washington counties.

PennDOT is displaying plans online for the Fayette Street project and for another nearby: the improvement and raising of the Rostraver Road bridge across I-70 in Rostraver.

The Rostraver span will be be raised through jacking and will have a new clearance of 14 feet, 8 inches, up from 13 feet, 9 inches.

Both bridges were at risk for being struck by over-height vehicles or loads, according to PennDOT engineer Jeremy Shaneyfelt. He noted the Rostraver Road bridge has been struck by vehicles multiple times.

That Rostraver Road project, which is slated to begin in the fall, also will reconstruct the roadway to full depth and will replace the bridge approach slabs and concrete curb. PennDOT previously had considered simply milling and resurfacing that portion of the road.

The Fayette Street bridge will gain a barrier-mounted fence to protect I-70 below.

The combined cost of the bridge projects is estimated at up to $9 million.

Temporary detours will be in place for both projects, using I-70. Depending on their direction of travel, motorists will be directed east, turning around at Exit 44, for Arnold City, or west, to turn around at Exit 41, for Belle Vernon and Monessen.

To view the online plans for the bridges, available through March 4, visit PennDOT.gov/District12 and click on “Public Meetings” under the District Links heading. Then select the Westmoreland County box and choose the “Route 3007 over I-70 Project” tile.

Through Thursday, the same web page will provide access to plans for replacement of another poor-rated bridge in Mt. Pleasant Township. PennDOT intends to replace the bridge on Ankney Hill Road, over Welty Run, beginning in the spring of 2023.

Those without internet access can offer input about the projects by contacting PennDOT project manager Sean Sepe at ssepe@pa.gov or 724-439-7322.