Southern Beltway Project

The U.S. Route 22 to I-79 project is the middle section of the Southern Beltway project which begins at the southern terminus of the Findlay Connector at the U.S. Route 22 Interchange and proceeds 13 miles southeast to an interchange with I-79 and a local connection at Morganza Road near the Allegheny/Washington County line. The Record of Decision (granting environmental clearance) was issued for the project in September 2008. The funding for the U.S. Route 22 to I-79 project is now in place thanks to a boost in funding from Act 89. Estimated cost for this 13 mile section is approximately $800m. The U.S. Route 22 to I-79 will be a cashless toll facility.

Due to the complexity of building a new 13 mile roadway, the Route 22 to I-79 project has been divided into 9 construction sections. The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission (PTC) has completed two sections of the project, three sections are in construction, and right-of-way acquisition and final design are in progress for the other four sections.

Panhandle Trail to Cecil Reissing Road

Panhandle Trail to Cecil Reissing Road State Route 576: This section is approximately 3.2 miles in length, and requires nearly six million cubic yards of excavation. 

The project includes a five span bridge that is 1,370 feet in length over State Route 980. The northern leg of Reissing Road is to be relocated and become Laurel Hill Road, and the southern leg will have a new connection to State Route 980. Realignment of the Reissing and Profio Road intersection is also included. 

Anticipated Schedule

Construction started on this phase of the project February 16, 2017. The anticipated schedule is Spring 2017 to Summer 2019. Daytime closures on State Route 980 will take place starting in late May of 2018 and will last for approximately 2 weeks. A detour will be posted.

Relocated Reissing Road will be open to traffic in May 2018.

Cecil Reissing Road to State Route 50

Cecil Reissing Road to State Route 50 State Route 576, Section 55C1-1 : Adjacent to (East of ) Section 55B, is approximately 2 miles in length, and requires nearly four million cubic yards of excavation. 

The project includes 4 bridges, two that span State Route 50, Wheeling and Lake Erie Rail line, and Millers Run Creek Road. A third bridge will connect Cecil Reissing Road to State Route 50; North of its current location. The fourth bridge will act as the overpass for Cecil Sturgeon road over State Route 576 (as part of the interchange) and will provide a new connection with Reissing Road.

The new interchange will be located approximately one mile West of State Route 50 and includes four Ramps for ingress and egress to State Route 576. 

Anticipated Schedule

Construction started on this phase of the project November 2017. The anticipated schedule is late 2017 to mid 2020. This section of roadway is not currently open to traffic. Construction on this section may effect local traffic.

State Route 50 to Coal Pit Road

Approximately 2 miles in length, and requires over 3 million cubic yards of excavation. The project includes several culverts and 1 bridge, an overpass for Hickory Grade Road over State Route 576.

Construction started on this phase of the project April 5, 2018. The anticipated schedule is early 2018 to mid 2020. This section of roadway is not currently open to traffic.