Drivers should be alert for changes to the current traffic pattern for both directions of Interstate 80 in Mercer County starting this week, as portions of the major reconstruction project will be paused for the winter.
Weather permitting, the lane shifts for eastbound traffic will be removed on Thursday, November 13, 2025, and the lane shifts for westbound traffic will be taken out on Tuesday, November 18, 2025.
The lanes for both directions of the interstate from the Ohio state line to mile marker 5 will remain in a normal traffic pattern until work resumes in the spring.
A left shoulder closure will remain in effect on I-80 near the bridges that carry the highway over Route 318.
Some work will continue during the winter season, including beam setting for a new bridge over Route 318 and the installation of right-of-way fence along the interstate.
The Interstate 80 Reconstruction Project includes major improvements to the first 5 miles of in the interstate beginning at the Ohio state line including milling, asphalt and concrete paving, concrete patching, drainage and guiderail upgrades, concrete curbing, topsoil, seeding/mulching, highway lighting, signing, highway markers, line painting, and permanent digital message boards.
Work also includes repairs to five bridges, including the replacement and widening of the bridges over Route 318 in Shenango Township.
Construction began in April 2025 and is being completed in phases through 2027.
As part of the traffic control safety efforts, PennDOT has installed temporary traffic camera along the interstate, which can be viewed at www.511PA.com.
The contractor is Glen O. Hawbaker of State College, PA. The contract cost is $115,680,680, which is to be paid entirely with federal funds.
Information on the Interstate 80 Reconstruction Project is available online at www.pa.gov/DOTDistrict1under the Projects Near You and the District 1 link.
PennDOT urges motorists to slow down when driving in work zones, and also to be alert to changing conditions, avoid distractions and to pay attention to signs and flaggers. Drive responsibly in work zones for your safety and the safety of the workers.
Motorists can check conditions on major roadways by visiting www.511PA.com. 511PA, which is free and available 24 hours a day, provides traffic delay warnings, weather forecasts, traffic speed information and access to more than 1,000 traffic cameras.
511PA is also available through a smartphone application for iPhone and Android devices, by calling 5-1-1, or by following regional Twitter alerts accessible on the 511PA website.
Subscribe to PennDOT news and traffic alerts in Crawford, Erie, Forest, Mercer, Venango, and Warren counties at www.pa.gov/DOTDistrict1.
Find PennDOT news for the northwest region on X or Facebook.
MEDIA CONTACT: Saxon Daugherty, sadaughert@pa.gov or 814-678-7095
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