Tuscarora Tunnel Rehabilitation Project

Traveling Construction Tuscarora Tunnel Rehabilitation Project

Total Reconstruction Project

Traffic Alert: Crossover patterns will be in place Sunday night to Friday through August and into the fall to allow for construction to continue in the eastbound tunnel.

Tuscarora Tunnel Rehabilitation Project

Project Overview

This $110M project at the Tuscarora Tunnel improves both the eastbound and westbound tunnel tubes. The tunnel is located on the PA Turnpike Mainline (I-76) between mileposts 186 and 187 between the Fort Littleton Interchange (Exit 180) and the Willow Hill Interchange (Exit 189) on the Huntingdon/Franklin County line. The project was needed to improve and modernize the tunnels and to maintain safety for workers and travelers.

Currently, work within the tunnel is substantially complete.  This means regular tunnel closures have ended, although some work continues in the portal buildings at each end of the tunnel.  Through May 2024 travelers can expect occasional closures of the eastbound tunnel, with crossover traffic patterns and possible delays. During closure of the eastbound tunnel the other tube will be open with bi-directional traffic. All traffic in both directions will merge into one lane approaching the tunnel, with a reduced speed limit. Traffic patterns are subject to change according to the time of year, weather, and projected travel volumes.

The eastbound tunnel tube originally opened in 1940 and the westbound opened in 1968. The two tubes were last renovated in the 1980s. This project was issued Notice to Proceed on July 31, 2019, and has an estimated completion date of January 2024.

Tuscarora Tunnel Rehabilitation Project Overview

Project Summary

Rehabilitation of the Tuscarora Tunnel between MP 185.89 and MP 187.49

Construction Start: Late 2019

Estimated Construction Completion: Early 2024

Project Total: $110 million

General Contractor: Mosites Construction Company, Pittsburgh, PA

Construction Manager: Johnson, Mirmiran & Thompson, Inc, Harrisburg, PA

Design Consultant: Gannett Fleming, Harrisburg, PA

 

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Project Maps

Eastbound Alternate Routes

Tuscarora Tunnel Rehabilitation Project Eastbound Alternate Route

Westbound Alternate Routes

Westbound Alternate Route

Project Schedule

The first phase of the project will include the addition of lane control signs, bi-directional lighting and in-pavement lights in the westbound tunnel. This will be done to assist the flow of two-way traffic in the westbound tunnel when the eastbound tunnel is closed.

An overview of the project schedule is as follows:

TunnelDescriptionTime Frame
WestboundEarly action workFrom late 2019 thru early 2020
EastboundDemolition of ceiling, barrier/walkway and new drainage systemsFrom early 2020 thru early 2021
EastboundInstallation of waterproofing and new shotcrete linerFrom early 2021 thru early 2022
EastboundInstallation of a new fire/life safety/communication system and lightingFrom late 2021 thru mid 2022
EastboundNew pavement in the tunnel and for tunnel approaches and rehabilitation of bridge B-561By mid 2022
WestboundConcrete and tile repairs, installation of new drainage systems, concrete barrier replacement, new fire/life safety/communications systems, new pavement in the tunnel and for tunnel approaches and rehabilitation of bridge B-562From mid 2022 thru early 2024

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