PennDOT: $116M I-80 project promises smoother ride in Mercer County

A $115.7 million project to reconstruct the first five miles of Interstate 80 in Mercer County is scheduled to begin later this month, promising a smoother ride for motorists. The three-year project will cover the stretch of highway from the Ohio state line to mile marker 5, according to a news release.

Improvements will include milling, asphalt and concrete paving, concrete patching, drainage and guiderail upgrades, right-of-way fencing, concrete curbing, topsoil, seeding/mulching, highway lighting, signing, highway markers, line painting, and permanent digital message boards.

The project also involves repairs to five bridges, including the replacement and widening of the bridges over Route 318 in Shenango Township.

Work is slated to begin on April 21, weather permitting, and will be done in phases. The initial preparation phase will involve preliminary work such as shoulder widening, construction of emergency pull-offs, and updates to crossovers. During this phase, motorists can expect daylight lane restrictions in both eastbound and westbound directions as needed. This phase is anticipated to last about one month.

Phase 1 is expected to start in early summer 2025 and will focus on repairs to the eastbound lane, drainage upgrades, and bridge work. Westbound traffic will be shifted slightly onto the shoulder. One eastbound lane will be moved to a designated lane adjacent to the westbound lanes, with the other eastbound lane next to the work zone. This phase is expected to continue through the end of the 2025 construction season.

Phases 2 through 4 are scheduled for 2026 and 2027 and will involve lane shifts and temporary lane closures as needed.

Approximately 28,500 vehicles use this section of I-80 daily, with more than 45 percent being large vehicles such as tractor-trailers.

Authorities are urging drivers to remain alert for traffic pattern shifts and lane restrictions throughout the project and to anticipate travel delays, particularly during peak traffic times. Efforts will be made to minimize work and traffic impacts during holiday travel periods.

The $115,680,680 contract is being funded entirely with federal funds.

The news release also noted that additional reconstruction projects on I-80 in Mercer County are in the design phase, covering miles 6 to 10 and miles