The Pennsylvania Turnpike will take a big step this weekend in its $270 million project to replace the Beaver River Bridge and realign the turnpike in Beaver County.
The turnpike will close the eastbound entrance and exit ramps at the Beaver Valley interchange from 9 p.m. Saturday to 9 p.m. Sunday to build a temporary on and off ramp at the interchange. With the temporary road in place, crews can continue work to build a new bridge north of the existing one and realign the turnpike in that area.
For the closure, eastbound traffic already on the turnpike will exit at the New Castle interchange, keep left toward Interstate 376, then keep right and exit toward Route 351. Then turn left on Shenango Road and right on Route 351 to Route 18 north.
Those who want to enter the turnpike eastbound at Beaver Valley should take Route 18 north and turn left on Route 351 and left on Shenango Drive to the turnpike. One northbound lane on Route 18 will be closed for a mile north and south of the Beaver Valley interchange.
The work is part of the turnpike’s statewide plan to expand the highway to three lanes in each direction.
Overall, the project will widen 2 miles of the turnpike in Big Beaver, Homewood and North Sewickley from four lanes to six lanes, three in each direction. Early work included the replacement of three bridges beginning in 2013 and the relocation of Foxwood Drive and the Homewood Viaduct.
Earlier this year, Joseph B. Fay Co. began drilling shaft foundations for the western piers of the new bridge as well as driving piling and constructing footings for the eastern abutments. The project is expected to continue until late 2027.
Ed covers transportation at the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, but he's currently on strike. Email him at eblazina@unionprogress.com.