The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission is proposing the construction of a 30-mile, tolled four-lane limited-access highway, known as the Southern Beltway that will be located between PA Route 60 near the Pittsburgh International Airport and the Mon/Fayette Expressway (PA Route 43) near Finleyville, Pennsylvania. The Southern Beltway consists of three projects for independent development based on logical project end points, differing project needs, and differing scheduling and funding opportunities. The three project areas extend from PA Route 60 to U.S. Route 22, U.S. Route 22 to Interstate 79, and Interstate 79 to the Mon/Fayette Expressway. Each of the three projects is self-standing and will not curtail or obligate improvements in other project areas along the corridor.

The primary purpose of the Southern Beltway is to improve east-west mobility, freight movement and transit connections; stimulate local development; and link the economically distressed Monongahela River Valley (Mon Valley) with the Pittsburgh International Airport. The Southern Beltway will enable people and goods to move through the region safely and efficiently; increase accessibility to areas of the region that are in a state of redevelopment and new growth; and improve access to other areas which can provide markets to enhance the economic vitality of the region. The three Southern Beltway Projects in each of the aforementioned specific areas will improve capacity, safety, and travel times and would contribute to the overall accessibility and mobility of the transportation network.

The U.S. Route 22 to Interstate 79 Southern Beltway Project is needed to provide transportation mobility and safety improvements, and to serve future development plans in the corridor south and west of the City of Pittsburgh. The U.S. Route 22 to Interstate 79 Southern Beltway Project would improve access for employment, industry, truck traffic, emergency services, and future growth areas by providing a modern transportation facility that enhances transportation continuity locally and regionally.