Phase: Construction
Location: Westmoreland County
Anticipated cost: $120.7 million
Diverging Diamond Interchange (DDI) Lane Restriction To Be Lifted
The lane restriction at the Route 51 Diverging Diamond Interchange is scheduled to be lifted according to the following schedule:
Monday, November 24
- Crews will transition the traffic signals to their permanent configuration
Tuesday, November 25
- All lanes on Route 51 through the DDI are expected to open to traffic by 5:00 PM
Construction will conclude in 2026. See below for more details.
Tips for your safety and the safety of highway workers can be found here.
Click here to enlarge image.
Project Overview Video
Watch this brief video to see how to safely navigate the DDI configuration.
Construction at the I-70/Route 51 Interchange began in late 2022 and is expected to continue through 2026. Track construction progress with construction photos.
Anticipated Winter Work on I-70
Construction will continue during winter months along I-70 mainline. Motorists may encounter:
- Ongoing pavement reconstruction and shoulder work
- Temporary lane shifts and narrowed lane widths
- Median work and drainage improvements
- Periodic short-term lane restrictions as weather allows
- Reduced speeds and variable traffic patterns through the work zone
2026 Anticipated Work
The final construction season will focus on completing remaining ramp connections, finishing DDI interchange features, and restoring all lanes of I-70 to their permanent alignment. Check back for more details to be shared as the schedule is finalized in early 2026.
Project Overview
This project includes improvements to I-70 and Route 51. I-70 will be reconstructed to make this section of I-70 similar to other reconstructed sections of I-70 to the east and west. A Diverging Diamond Interchange (DDI) will be constructed to replace the current substandard cloverleaf interchange at I-70/Route51.
One mile of Route 51 will be reconstructed and widened from south of Ridge Road to north of Concord Lane/Pfile Lane. Route 51 will also be milled and paved from Concord Lane/Pfile Lane to Harper Drive. Finley Road will be relocated behind the GetGo to form a four-way intersection at Route 981 and a left-turn lane will be added from Route 51 to Ridge Road. Planned improvements are detailed in the project overview video below.
An informational project brochure is available to view online or download and print to share project information with the community.
Project Mapping
View project mapping to learn more details about this area.
PennDOT Contact
Name:
Dominec Caruso, P.E.
Organization:
PennDOT District 12
Title:
Assistant Construction Engineer
Phone:
724-439-7286
Email:
dcaruso@pa.gov