PITTSBURGH, Feb. 20 /PRNewswire/ -- Tomorrow, Friday, Feb. 21, at the
State Office Building PENNDOT officials and Bob O'Connor, Director of Governor
Rendell's Southwestern Pennsylvania Office, will unveil the Official 2003
Alternate Route Map and announce the 30-day countdown to the start of the
final phase of work on the Fort Pitt Bridge and Tunnel. On March 21st at
10 p.m., 30 days from the unveiling, outbound traffic will be directed to the
same alternate routes used last year. Inbound traffic will crossover to the
outbound lanes on March 28th at 10 p.m.
"It's the beginning of the end of the biggest project in Pittsburgh
history," said Bob O'Connor. "Local businesses and building owners are
spreading the word that motorists have 30 days to find the best alternate
route."
Motorists from the east traveling to I-279 south, Parkway West, are
encouraged to follow the Orange Route via Boulevard of the Allies, or the
Green Route via I-376 east, Parkway East. Traffic from the north traveling on
I-279 south will follow the Blue Route via Route 65 and the West End Bridge.
All trucks heading downtown or continuing on I-279 north or I-376 east will
follow the Purple Route via Route 51 north. Through traffic on I-279 north is
encouraged to follow the Purple Route as well.
"The alternate routes worked so well last year that we had motorists
asking us to keep them in place year-round," said Ray Hack, PENNDOT District
11 Engineer. "We turned a major road project into a flawless transition and
we intend to do the same this year. Pick your favorite color and follow that
route smoothly to your destination," Hack said.
The alternate routes will be displayed on large maps in building lobbies
and rest areas throughout the Pittsburgh region. Color-coordinated
trailblazing signs along the roadways will mark each route for motorists'
convenience.
"The trailblazers will be on the barriers along each route, so there is no
way you can get lost. If you do, just call our free hotline and we'll guide
you back," said PENNDOT spokesman Dick Skrinjar.
For more information regarding the Fort Pitt Bridge and Tunnel project and
the alternate routes visit epenndot.com or call 1-877-450-4279 to speak to an
operator at the 24-hour live help desk.
SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Transportation
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Related links:
http://www.epenndot.com
CONTACT:
Dick Skrinjar of the Pennsylvania Department
of Transportation, +1-877-450-4279
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