I-79 to Mon/Fayette Expressway Project Environmental Decision Issued

Marks the Last of the Southern Beltway Projects to Receive Federal Approval

The environmental Record of Decision (ROD) has been issued for the proposed 12.5-mile Southern Beltway Project from I-79 to the Mon/Fayette Expressway (Turnpike 43) at a new interchange south of Finleyville. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers signed the ROD on May 13, 2009, which concludes the environmental decision-making process for the estimated $730 million project.

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The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission is evaluating a proposed 32-mile, tolled four-lane limited-access highway, known as the Southern Beltway that would 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 (opened to traffic in October 2006), 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 would enable people and goods to move through the region safely and efficiently; increase accessibility to areas of the region that are in a stage 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 would improve capacity, safety, and travel times and contribute to the overall accessibility and mobility of the transportation network. 

The Interstate 79 to Mon/Fayette Expressway Project of the Southern Beltway would support the orderly economic development of the area between Interstate 79 and the Mon/Fayette Expressway.  The existing local roads were built to serve early farming and mining communities. These roadways are characterized by steep grades, sharp curves, and narrow lanes and shoulders.  These roads are not capable of providing the needed capacity and are inadequate to serve the projected growth in this area.  The proposed project would provide a modern transportation facility, which would help meet the future traffic demands for the area.