Building a Safer, Smoother Future: The Breezewood Interchange Project Moves Forward
Breezewood has long served as a crossroads of American travel. From the early days of the Lincoln Highway in the 1910s to the opening of the Pennsylvania Turnpike in 1940 and the arrival of Interstate 70 in the 1960s, this Bedford County community has helped move generations of travelers across the Commonwealth and beyond.
Now, the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission (PA Turnpike) is moving forward with. Breezewood Interchange Project, investing in a safer, more efficient corridor that strengthens mobility and supports local economic growth.
The Breezewood Interchange is A Modern Interchange for a Historic Region
The Breezewood Interchange, part of the PA Turnpike’s original 160-mile stretch, has served motorists for more than eight decades.
The redesigned interchange will:
- Maintain convenient access to U.S. Route 30 for visitors and local residents
- Provide a new, direct, free-flowing connection between the PA Turnpike and I-70 at the Breezewood Interchange (Exit 161)
This improved design keeps long-distance travelers and commercial vehicles on the interstate while offering a safer, less congested entry point into the Breezewood community.
Safety and Mobility at the Forefront of the Breezewood Interchange Project
Safety is the driving force behind this project. With 2.65 million Turnpike exits and 2.83 million entering at Breezewood in 2022, 37% of them trucks, roadway modernization is critical.
The current interchange dates to the 1960s and includes one of the only traffic signals on an interstate route. A similar setup exists in New Jersey where traffic exits the Holland Tunnel to I-78.
Today, I-70 traffic must exit onto U.S. Route 30 and pass through traffic lights, driveways and commercial congestion to reach the PA Turnpike. The mix of high-speed interstate traffic and local vehicles, pedestrians and turning movements can cause confusion – and crashes. Removing this chokepoint could reduce backups, along with follow-on rear-end and stop-and-go incidents that can occur in backlogs.
Creating a direct interstate-to-interstate connection keeps commercial traffic on the roadway while supporting safe, less congested access to local communities for visitors.
Early review of project highlights include promising improvements like:
- Improved traffic flow that reduces local congestion and roadway conflicts.
- Reduced emissions, with estimated daily CO₂ reductions equal to the emissions from consuming 2,134 gallons of gasoline.
- Enhanced multimodal access, including planned improvements to truck parking facilities and connections to nearby recreational trails.
The Breezewood Interchange Project Will Boost Economic Opportunity and Increase Local Recreation
With the advent of Open Road Tolling (ORT) in January 2025, new connections like the Breezewood Interchange are possible. In the ORT system, tolls are charged electronically as customers drive at highway speeds beneath overhead structures, called gantries, without slowing down or stopping at toll booths. Connections can be added to the PA Turnpike at a fraction of the cost, with a smaller footprint, and in significantly less time than under traditional tolling. That’s why there’s never been a better time to make these changes.
ORT and new connections like Breezewood pave the way for greater access to communities, supporting the Commonwealth’s tourism and outdoor recreation priorities.
Breezewood is strategically located – 10% of the U.S. population lives within 200 miles –with major interstate access. Beyond transportation benefits, the project opens new opportunities for outdoor recreation and economic development.
With improved connections to Buchanan State Forest, The Old PA Pike (TOPP) Trail and other natural assets, the redesign can inspire more visitors to pull off and explore the region.
The feasibility study also found the redesign could unlock new acres of developable land, generating millions in long-term economic impact and supporting thousands of jobs through the project alone.
What’s next for the Breezewood Interchange Project?
The PA Turnpike Commission is working closely with its lead designer, Alfred Bensch and Company, to carry out the preliminary engineering phase through 2029.
This work includes:
- Studying traffic patterns
- Conducting environmental and noise assessments
- Beginning geotechnical evaluations
- Reviewing drainage, stormwater, utilities, and property boundaries
Nearby property owners may see field crews completing surveys and environmental work as this phase progresses.
While public involvement events are planned for the later stages of preliminary design, residents and travelers can stay informed now by signing up for project updates.
Stay Updated on the Breezewood Interchange Project
The Breezewood Interchange Project represents a transformational moment for one of Pennsylvania’s most iconic travel hubs—a chance to enhance safety, improve mobility and support the Breezewood community for generations to come.
To learn more or sign up for updates, visit the project website: PA Turnpike | Breezewood Interchange.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Breezewood Interchange Project
What is the Breezewood Interchange Project?
The Breezewood Interchange Project is a major infrastructure initiative led by the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission to modernize the connection between the Pennsylvania Turnpike and Interstate 70 (I-70). The project will create a direct, free-flowing interstate-to-interstate connection, improving safety, reducing congestion, and enhancing travel efficiency in Bedford County.
Where is the Breezewood Interchange located?
The Breezewood Interchange is located at Exit 161 of the Pennsylvania Turnpike in Breezewood, Pennsylvania. It serves as a key connection point between the PA Turnpike, I-70, and U.S. Route 30, making it a critical hub for regional and cross-country travel.
Why is the Breezewood Interchange being redesigned?
The interchange is being redesigned to address safety concerns and traffic inefficiencies. Currently, drivers must exit I-70 and travel through local roads with traffic signals to access the Turnpike. This creates congestion, confusion, and a higher risk of crashes. The new design eliminates this bottleneck by providing a direct highway connection.
How will the new interchange improve safety?
The redesigned interchange will:
- Remove traffic signals from an interstate route
- Separate local and long-distance traffic
- Reduce stop-and-go conditions that lead to rear-end crashes
- Improve roadway geometry to meet modern interstate standards
These upgrades are expected to significantly reduce congestion-related incidents and improve overall driver safety.
What is Open Road Tolling (ORT) and how does it relate to this project?
Open Road Tolling (ORT) allows drivers to pay tolls electronically at highway speeds without stopping at toll booths. With ORT launching systemwide in 2025, the PA Turnpike can build new connections like the Breezewood Interchange more efficiently, at a lower cost and with a smaller footprint.
How will the Breezewood Interchange impact traffic and congestion?
The project will improve traffic flow by:
- Allowing uninterrupted travel between I-70 and the PA Turnpike
- Reducing congestion on U.S. Route 30
- Keeping commercial and long-distance traffic on the interstate system
This will lead to faster travel times and less congestion for both local residents and through travelers.
Will local access to Breezewood businesses be affected?
No. The redesigned interchange will maintain convenient access to U.S. Route 30 for local residents and visitors. While through traffic will move more efficiently on the interstate, local access to businesses and services in Breezewood will remain intact.
What are the environmental benefits of the project?
The project is expected to reduce vehicle emissions by improving traffic flow and minimizing idling. Early estimates suggest daily CO₂ reductions equivalent to the emissions from consuming more than 2,000 gallons of gasoline.
How will the project support economic development?
The Breezewood Interchange Project is expected to:
- Unlock new land for development
- Support job creation during and after construction
- Improve access to tourism and outdoor recreation destinations
- Strengthen regional connectivity for businesses and freight
The interchange’s location is within 200 miles of 10% of the U.S. population, making it a strategic investment for long-term economic growth.
What is the timeline for the Breezewood Interchange Project?
The project is currently in the preliminary engineering phase, which is expected to continue through 2029. This phase includes environmental studies, traffic analysis, and design development. Construction timelines will be determined as the project advances.
How can I stay updated on the Breezewood Interchange Project?
Residents and travelers can stay informed by visiting the official project page on the PA Turnpike website and signing up for updates. Public involvement opportunities will be announced during later stages of design.