Lane restrictions planned on I-99

Lane restrictions will be in place and there is a potential for short delays on I-99 between the Exit 15 Claysburg/King interchange outside Sproul at mile marker 15 to the Newry crossover on I-99 near mile marker 26.

Beginning Tuesday, April 7, drivers can expect lane restrictions and short, intermittent delays in both the northbound and southbound lanes from approximately mile marker 22 to mile marker 26 for rumble strip removal and paving in preparation for the long-term lane closures later in the project. Barriers will be installed and the work zone will be under a 60 mph speed reduction.

Glenn O. Hawbaker Inc., State College, is the lead contractor of the 23.02-mile, $24 million project, which includes overlay paving, the rehabilitation of seven dual bridges and the Exit 23 (Roaring Spring/Portage) bridge over I-99, and the installation of five intelligent transportation system dynamic message boards in Allegheny, Blair, Freedom and Greenfield townships in Blair County.

The overall project is scheduled for completion in June 2028.  

Flight 93 highway delays possible

Drivers should expect minor delays from long-term lane closures on Route 219 (Flight 93 Memorial Highway) and a detour of Miller Road under Route 219 in Somerset County beginning Monday, April 6.

On April 6, the project contractor will implement long-term lane closures in both the northbound and southbound lanes of Route 219 in preparation for work on the Miller Road Bridge northbound within the next two weeks. The contractor will also initiate a 4.7-mile detour of Miller Road under Route 219, which will use Horner Church Road in Quemahoning Township, Route 30 and Ralphton Road in Jenner Township.

New Enterprise Stone and Lime Co., New Enterprise, is the lead contractor for the 3-year, $24.6 million project that includes paving, the renovation of multiple bridge-structures, and drainage, guide rail and signage upgrades along five miles of Route 219, from the Route 601 interchange to U.S. 30 interchange in Somerset, Lincoln, Quemahoning and Jenner townships, Somerset County.

The project’s anticipated completion date is November. The project is weather dependent.

Blair bridges focus of public meeting

PennDOT is developing plans for four Blair County bridges — the Meadow Street and the 13th Street bridges over Brush Run in Altoona, the T-484 (Sickles Corner Back Road) over Sinking Run bridge in Tyrone Township and the Route 3008 (Polecat Hollow Road) over Polecat Run bridge in Greenfield Township.

These bridge rehabilitation projects include the removal of existing asphalt overlay and placement of a concrete deck. Minor approach paving and guiderail upgrades will also be included. Detours will be implemented during the construction of the projects.

For those interested in learning more about these projects, a public meeting and plans display will be held from 6 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 21, at the City of Altoona Training Facility and Council Chambers, 1320 Washington Ave., Altoona.

Superloads moving through area

There may be lengthy delays from the movement of windmill blades through Cambria and Somerset counties this week.  

Two windmill blades, destined for the Highland North Wind Farm near Beaverdale, Cambria County, are scheduled to leave from a Maryland facility at 8 and 9 a.m. Monday, April 6. The deliveries will use Route 219 through Somerset and Cambria counties before taking Locus Street and Mill Road to the wind farm.