Turnpike Crews to Begin Removal of Harvison Road Bridge

Turnpike Crews to Begin Removal of Harvison Road Bridge

WESTMORELAND COUNTY, PA — As a precursor to the total reconstruction and widening of the Pennsylvania Turnpike (PA Turnpike) in the area, crews will begin the removal of bridge that carries traffic from Harvison Road in Penn Township, Westmoreland County, over the Turnpike (Interstate 76) at milepost 61.68 in September.

The PA Turnpike previously announced in 2021 that the bridge would be removed as part of the Mileposts 57-67 Total Reconstruction and Widening project in Allegheny and Westmoreland Counties. The project includes expanding the highway from four to six lanes in the 10-mile corridor. Due to engineering complications and associated costs, replacing the bridge was not feasible.

Mosites Construction Company was contracted in June to handle the project. The PA Turnpike will demolish the bridge which connected Harvison Road to Pleasant Valley Road and build a cul-de-sac in its place. PA Turnpike staff has worked with local officials and first responders to accommodate safety protocols and procedures.

Beginning Monday, Aug. 26, the detour using PA Route 130 (Harrison City Road) and Pleasant Valley Road will be put into place permanently. Demolition work on the bridge will continue into October. The cul-da-sac will be built in the fall with the entire project slated for completion in June. The full MP 57-67 project is currently in the design phase and will be split into two sections. For the east section (MP 61 to MP 67), construction is anticipated to begin in 2032. Construction of the west section (MP 57 to MP 61) will be determined by the first section's schedule and available funding.

This roadwork is critical to delivering on the Pennsylvania Turnpike's mission of operating a safe, reliable, customer-valued toll road system that supports national mobility and commerce. In 2023, the PA Turnpike supported more than $690 million in construction bids to modernize, maintain or improve customer experience. Key projects include resurfacing 46+ miles of roadway, a record-high 27 miles of total reconstruction, and replacing key bridges at Beaver River and Hawk Falls. Resources and information on planned construction projects can be found at Traveling on the PA Turnpike | PA Turnpike.

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Media Contacts:

Crispin Havener, (717) 870-2841

Marissa Orbanek, (267) 408-5151