The work for Roadway and Bridge Reconstruction between MP 67.27 to MP 75.69 started January 2006. The entire project is expected to complete by the end of 2011, which will result in an eight-mile stretch of the PA Turnpike between Irwin and New Stanton having been widened in order to increase the number of travel lanes in each direction from two to three lanes and the median between the eastbound and westbound lanes having been widened from 10 to 26 feet. In order to provide space for the additional lanes and to increase the length of the deceleration lane for the eastbound exit lane at New Stanton (Exit 75) the Hempfield Service Plaza, which served eastbound traffic at Milepost 74.7 in Hempfield Township, Westmoreland County, was closed permanently on January 28, 2007. In addition, in order to improve two sharp curves, a stretch of the original Turnpike mainline between Milepost 70 and Milepost 72 will be reconstructed on a new alignment.

Other aspects of the project will include a redesign of surface drainage and the construction of four storm water management ponds; replacement of overhead bridges carrying Greensburg Road (Pa. Route 136), Glenn Fox Road and Eisaman Road; replacement of bridges carrying I-76 over Liberty Hill Road; relocation of a 600-foot stretch of Eisaman Run; and construction of a new culvert over Little Sewickley Creek within the realignment area. In addition, Seanor Church Road (State Route 3075) in Hempfield Township, which the Turnpike now crosses over, will be relocated to instead cross over I-76 on a new overhead bridge.

As part of a separate project, Center Avenue has been realigned between Arona Road and Westinghouse Drive. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation District 12 has constructed a new over head bridge which was opened to traffic in January 2008, and as a result the narrow Center Avenue underpass between Arona Road and New Stanton has been eliminated.

During the 2006 construction season the overhead bridges that carries Madison Road at Milepost 72.54 was replaced with a new structure. During the 2007 construction season, the bridge that carries Wendel Road at Milepost 67.71 was replaced with a new structure. During the 2007 construction season the New Stanton Interchange and Toll Plaza were reconstructed. All ramps have been widened and all pavement replaced. In addition a portion of mainline between MP74.25 to MP 75.69 was completely reconstructed. As part of this work the bridge that carries the Turnpike over Wentsler Avenue was replaced.

During the upcoming 2008 construction season the bridge that carries SR 0136 (Greensburg Road) at Milepost 70.43 over the turnpike and the bridge that carries Glenn Fox Road at Milepost 74.24 over the turnpike will both be replaced. This work is expected to complete by November 2008.

Later in the 2008 construction season and extending to the end of 2009, work will begin on the off line portion to align the original turnpike between Milepost 70 and 72. This work will be along the eastbound lanes and will not impact turnpike traffic. As part of this contract, the realignment of Seanor Church Road and the new bridge carry Seanor Church Road over the turnpike will also be constructed.

The final construction work to reconstruct all of the travel lanes between Milepost 74 and 67 is not expected to start until mid 2009. Additional information will be provided as details are finalized.