The ramp from Route 51 south to southbound Interstate 79 in Robinson will be closed Friday evening through 11 a.m. Sunday while crews remove a five-month crossover lane to restore traffic to its normal configuration.
The 4.5-mile crossover near the southern end of the Neville Island Bridge and Route 60 moved one lane of southbound traffic to the northbound lanes so crews could work on the southern side as a part of a $43.9 million reconstruction project. That configuration put three lanes of traffic on the north side — two heading north and one heading south, separated by a concrete barrier.
One southbound lane remained open on the other side, shifted slightly to create more space for Lindy Paving Inc. to work on the other lane.
During the weekend closure, workers will remove the concrete barriers, paint pavement markings and return traffic to its normal lanes.
A similar crossover is expected next year with three lanes of traffic on the southbound side of the road.
To detour around the closure, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation recommends southbound traffic on Route 51 continue past the closed ramp and follow the ramp to I-79 north and take the Neville island exit. Turn left on Grand Avenue and left onto I-79 south.
Northbound traffic on Route 51 should follow the ramp to I-79 north and follow the same detour.
The full project, which is expected to last until 2025, includes preservation work on five bridges on both sides of I-79 over Clever Road and Route 51. Other work involves full deck replacement, new lighting and signs.
Ed covers transportation at the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, but he's currently on strike. Email him at eblazina@unionprogress.com.