I-70 task in Westmoreland lauded for use of technologies in site design

A $93 million project along Interstate 70 in Westmoreland County received a regional America’s Transportation Award for its use of technologies.

The reconstructed interchanges at the Yukon and Madison exits, and 4 miles of freeway in involving them, used aerial images somewhat than traditional on-the-floor surveying and computer software that modeled traffic in the spot of a new industrial park, explained Jeremy S. Shaneyfelt, portfolio supervisor.

“The technologies … were most handy in giving a harmless and economical facility for the touring community,” he said. “By modeling long run ailments, engineers were being able to lessen property harm and private injuries, decrease impacts to adjacent attributes and reduce website traffic delays.”

The agency acquired the commendation in July from the American Association of State Freeway and Transportation Officials. The awards are developed to honor point out transportation agencies and the impacts the projects have on communities.

The venture involved lengthening the acceleration and deceleration lanes at the two exits, setting up an eastbound auxiliary lane amongst the interchanges and widening the median and shoulders, in addition to the construction of roundabouts. Company engineers labored with county officers to allow for increased site visitors volume to Commerce Crossing at Westmoreland in Sewickley Township, Shaneyfelt stated.

The modeling authorized engineers to venture how visitors traveling to and from the industrial park off the Madison exit would have an effect on other roadways and intersections, he stated. Other software aided outline exactly where 3 roundabouts would be greatest suited to hold site visitors going, the greatest bridge models to maintain up with website traffic requires relevant to the park and what size retention ponds were necessary to take care of stormwater runoff.

The use of technologies wasn’t special, but Shaneyfelt explained it was invaluable in modifying original interchange types to meet the long run requires of the industrial park.

PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll praised the completed merchandise, stating that collaboration resulted in improved layout.

“In Westmoreland County, we ended up equipped to develop a safer method of interchanges and lanes to aid the area’s escalating communities and commerce,” he mentioned.