PITTSBURGH -- It can be a traffic nightmare with nearly 42,000 drivers using the 22/30/60 interchange in Robinson Township on any given day, but relief and hopefully more jobs are on the way thanks to stimulus funding.
On Friday, Senator Arlen Specter (D-Pa.) announced more than $13 million will be used to upgrade the corridor and designate it Interstate 376.
“When people are considering settling and bringing a business to Pittsburgh, they like to see a highway connection between the airport and downtown, which is instrumental in trafficking,” said Specter.
In addition to revamping some of the exits, PennDOT is also installing new traffic signals and changing signs in Robinson and North Fayette townships.
“More than anything else, it will make it safe getting on and off -- that's really important,” said Allegheny County Councilman Mike Finnerty.
In addition to improving safety and traffic flow, those involved with the project hope more businesses will relocate to area, creating thousands of job.
“This isn't about roads, this is about connectivity -- not only to homes and to schools and to the workplace -- but it's about connectivity to business,” said Sally Hass of the Pittsburgh Airport Area Chamber of Commerce.
Completion of the construction project is scheduled for 2010.
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