PITTSBURGH, Nov. 13 /PRNewswire/ -- PENNDOT officials held their annual
construction seminar today in the Rehearsal Hall of the O'Reilly Theater to
discuss plans for the Fort Pitt Bridge and Tunnel reconstruction project.
    Speakers at the event also included representatives from the City of
Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, the Sports and Exhibition Authority, the Port
Authority of Allegheny County, and the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership.
Representatives from each organization presented scheduled work for the
upcoming year.
    "The construction seminar serves as an initial venue for PENNDOT and our
partners to inform the public of upcoming road construction," said Ray Hack,
PENNDOT District Engineer.  "This meeting is the official launch of our public
information campaign and allows us to introduce the alternate routes to
motorists so they can familiarize themselves with these routes."

    Outbound alternate routes for the Fort Pitt Bridge and Tunnel include:

     * Follow I-376 (Parkway East) to the Fort Duquesne Bridge.  Cross the
       bridge and follow to the West End Bridge.  Cross the bridge and follow
       signs for Route 51 South around the West End Circle.  Follow signs for
       the airport.

     * Follow I-279 south to the Route 65/West End Bridge exit.  Cross the
       West End Bridge and follow signs for Route 51 South around the West End
       Circle.  Follow signs for I-279 south/Airport.

     * From I-376 (Parkway East) follow to the Boulevard of the Allies exit.
       Exit to the Liberty Bridge and cross the bridge to enter the Liberty
       Tunnels.  Once through the tunnels follow signs for Route 51 North to
       I-279 south/Airport.

    PENNDOT began work on the Fort Pitt Tunnel in February 2001, improving
internal electrical and ventilation systems.  Work is scheduled to begin in
April and includes rehabilitation work to the ramps on the Fort Pitt Bridge,
reconstruction of the Stanwix Street entrance ramp, and replacement of the
Parkway East (Interstate 376) over the Monongahela Wharf.
    Motorists can expect lane restrictions and closures in and around the Fort
Pitt Bridge and Tunnel, between January and March 2002 from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.
The outbound lanes of the Fort Pitt Bridge and Tunnel will close between April
and August 2002.  Between September and December 2002, motorists can expect
lane closures and restrictions from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.
    Motorists can stay updated on the best routes to avoid traffic congestion
through local media, by visiting http://www.epenndot.com or by calling
1-877-450-4279 to speak with a live operator.

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