Next Phase of Route 28 Improvements Begins Next Week

PennDOT District 11 is announcing a $36.4 million project to widen and improve Route 28 will begin on Monday, Aug. 22, weather permitting.

Beginning on Monday, southbound traffic on Route 28 will be reduced to single, 11-foot wide lane from just south of the 40th Street Bridge to the Chestnut Street overpass from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. weeknights through Sept. 6.

At 8 p.m. on Sept. 6, long-term restrictions will be implemented between the 40th Street Bridge and Chestnut Street that include maintaining two open inbound (southbound) lanes (shifted toward river/railroad tracks) during peak periods and one 11-foot wide northbound (outbound) lane around-the-clock through fall 2014.

“This is largest phase of work to date, and it will create significant changes on Route 28,” District Executive Dan Cessna, P.E. said. “With the activity already underway at the 40th Street intersection, ramp construction at the 31t Street Bridge and now the widening and interchange construction phase, we are well on our way to realizing the improved Route 28 motorists have long anticipated.”

The fourth phase of work includes: widening and reconstruction to provide a new grade-separated interchange at the 31st Street Bridge Intersection; roadway reconstruction; new median barrier and signal installation; replacing a section of the 31st Street Bridge; modifications to the River Avenue Viaduct; sidewalk and wall construction; demolition; drainage; utility relocations; highway and sign lighting; sign structures; ITS (Intelligent Transportation System) facilities, and other improvements between the Chestnut Street overpass and the 40th Street Bridge. 

An alternate route for outbound traffic wishing to avoid the work zone is provided using the 16th Street Bridge to Liberty Avenue to Butler Street through Lawrenceville to the 40th Street Bridge or the Highland Park Bridge to bypass the work zone. PennDOT, through a separate contract, constructed improvements at key intersections on the alternate route to facilitate better traffic flow and turning movements.                     

Motorists are advised to use caution and allow extra time when traveling on Route 28. PennDOT also reminds motorists they can call 511 from any phone to check traffic conditions or log onto 511pa.com (includes traffic cameras on Route 28) before traveling. 

To view a PowerPoint presentation of the overall work on the Route 28 East Ohio Street improvement project including maps, timeline and renderings of the complete project, go to www.dot.state.pa.us, click “Regional Information” then the “11” on the map. This will take web users to the District 11 homepage. A link to the presentation is provided on the right.    

To sign up for PennDOT’s Route 28 email notification list for traffic and construction advisories, send email addresses to jstruzzi@state.pa.us and write “Subscribe – Route 28” in the subject line.