Pittsburgh, PA – As the construction season is underway, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) District 11 and the Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) hosted a media event to discuss safe practices for motorists while traveling through work zones and shared updates on the I-376 (Parkway West) Boyce Road to I-79 rehabilitation project.
While work can occur year-round, the major construction season has begun, and motorists should expect to see more work zones in southwestern Pennsylvania. The agencies remind drivers to remain cautious when driving through work zones, not only for the safety of the workers, but for their own safety as well.
Motorists cited by police for driving 11 mph or more above the posted speed limit in active work zones will automatically lose their license for 15 days per state law. Fines for certain traffic violations, including speeding, driving under the influence, and failure to obey traffic devices are doubled for active work zones. Drivers can also receive up to five years of additional jail time if convicted of homicide by vehicle for a crash that occurred in an active work zone.
PennDOT District 11 Executive Jason Zang discussed the many challenges of keeping work zones safe for everyone and how the motoring public can work together with PennDOT to achieve this goal. He also reminded drivers to familiarize themselves with their travel routes and abide by work zone laws when driving through them.
According to PennDOT data, in 2024 there were 1,250 work zone crashes, resulting in 22 fatalities statewide.
PSP Trooper Melinda Bondarenka addressed how motorists can make safer choices, not only in work zones but on all roadways, to protect crew members and emergency personnel. Trooper Bondarenka also discussed the consequences of making dangerous choices behind the wheel. PSP and other law enforcement will continue to enforce traffic and work zone safety laws to keep drivers and crew members safe.
PennDOT Assistant District Executive of Construction Doug Thompson discussed the continuing $12.6 million rehabilitation project on the I-376 (Parkway West) bridge over Boyce Road between the Ridge Road (Exit 61) and I-79 (Exit 64A) interchanges in Robinson and Collier townships in Allegheny County. Additional improvements include milling and paving along I-376, ramp preservation work, overhead sign structure repairs, drainage and guide rail updates, and sign and pavement marking installation work. Restrictions include the long-term closure of Boyce Road, ramp closures, overnight single-lane restrictions, and four weekend-long single-lane closures. Most of the work is anticipated to be completed in late 2025, with minor work expected to continue into early 2026.
For more information, visit www.PennDOT.pa.gov/safety.
PennDOT’s media resources web page offers social media-sized graphics for numerous transportation-related campaigns, including safety topics such as aggressive driving, speeding, distracted driving, and seat belts for organizations, community groups, or others who share safety information with their stakeholders.
For regional updates, follow PennDOT on X and join the Greater Pittsburgh Area PennDOT Facebook group.
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