Project Status
Step 3 of 4
Construction
Next Step: Completed
Project Overview
County: Lycoming and Tioga
Municipality: Multiple
State Route: 15
Local Name: Route 15
Project Type: Interstate designation / Signing upgrade
MPMS Number: 116346
Proposed Construction Start: Spring 2026
Anticipated Construction End: Fall 2027
Last Updated: November 2025
This project will designate U.S. 15 as Interstate 99 (I-99) between the Interstate 180 interchange in the City of Williamsport in Lycoming County, and the New York state line in Tioga County. Designating U.S. 15 as Interstate 99 will:
- Improve highway consistency and driver clarity. The route will be part of a continuous, signed Interstate corridor from Bedford to the New York border, making navigation simpler for both freight and passenger traffic.
- Enhance economic opportunity. Interstate designation promotes regional commerce by strengthening north–south connections to Interstate 80 and I-86, encouraging business investment and growth throughout north-central Pennsylvania.
- Strengthen freight movement safety and compliance. Converting the route to Interstate status aligns it with federal weight-limit rules and modern design expectations, protecting pavement and bridge assets and ensuring fair, consistent permit enforcement statewide.
The department is in the final stage of seeking Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) approval to designate this roadway section as I-99. If approved, the current U.S. 15 between the City of Williamsport in Lycoming County, and the New York state border in Tioga County, will become I-99.
In November 2025, the department put out for bid a project which will upgrade the roadway signage along the 62-mile-long corridor in 2026. The project includes:
- Trailblazing signage along the Route 220 corridor from the I-80/I-99 Interchange near Bellefonte to I-180 in Williamsport along the Route 220 corridor.
- I-99 signing will be added to the current U.S. 15 corridor from I-180 to the New York state line.
- While the signs are being upgraded, three sign structures will also be upgraded as part of the project.
- Additionally, the Four Mile Road intersection with U.S. 15 Northbound above the Trout Run interchange will be closed to enhance safety on the corridor and meet federal requirements.
What is a trailblazing sign?
A trailblazing sign is a directional sign along a road that that directs motorists towards the desired route.
Why will there be trailblazing signage along Route 220 between I-80 and I-180?
With the establishing of I-99 north of Williamsport, a gap will remain between Bellefonte and Williamsport, requiring trailblazing signage to guide motorists between the completed sections of I-99. To address this, PennDOT will install trailblazing signs along Route 220 and I-80, ensuring clear directional guidance. This strategic approach will enhance regional connectivity and ensure motorists can easily navigate the new interstate designation.
Additional Project Information
The designation of I-99 will be a major change for companies that hold annual over-dimension hauling permits. Currently on U.S. 15, hauling permits can be issued for divisible loads of certain commodities up to 95,000 pounds. After designation as an interstate, per federal law, the maximum weight will be reduced to 80,000 pounds for divisible loads if there is no federal exemption for the commodity.
Impacts to Hauling Industry
- In accordance with federal law, once designated as I-99, the weight restriction will be reduced to 80,000 pounds for divisible loads.
- Divisible overweight permits will no longer allow travel on the designated section.
- Milk haulers are permitted under federal law to operate overweight on interstates including the future I-99 corridor.
- Haulers will be required to comply with the weight limits or reroute using alternate, approved state routes under their current Annual Network permits.
- After the designation is finalized, the Automated Permit Routing and Analysis System (APRAS) will prevent the issuance of new divisible overweight permits for this corridor.
- Permits for non-divisible oversize or overweight loads will continue to be issued and remain valid for travel along I-99.
PennDOT is dedicated to assisting industry partners through this transition. Haulers who hold an annual permit who did not receive information from PennDOT can reach out to:
Nicole Marcyan
APRAS Coordinator, District 3
570-368-4415
nmarcyan@pa.gov
Frequently Asked Questions: I-99 Designation, Overweight Permit Updates
U.S. 15 from Williamsport to the New York border is being officially designated as Interstate 99 (I-99). Designating U.S. 15 as Interstate 99 will:
- Improve highway consistency and driver clarity. The route will be part of a continuous, signed Interstate corridor from Bedford to the New York border, making navigation simpler for both freight and passenger traffic.
- Enhance economic opportunity. Interstate designation promotes regional commerce by strengthening north–south connections to I-80 and I-86, encouraging business investment and growth throughout north-central Pennsylvania.
- Strengthen freight movement safety and compliance. Converting the route to Interstate status aligns it with federal weight-limit rules and modern design expectations, protecting pavement and bridge assets and ensuring fair, consistent permit enforcement statewide.
The designation is anticipated to be finalized in summer 2026. Exact dates will be communicated as soon as they are confirmed.
Federal law prohibits the hauling of divisible overweight loads (e.g., bulk commodities) on interstate highways, except for milk. Once U.S. 15 is designated as I-99:
- Divisible overweight permits (except milk) will no longer allow travel on the designated section.
- No new divisible overweight permits will be issued for travel on I-99.
- Permits for non-divisible loads (e.g., heavy equipment, construction materials) are not affected.
PennDOT values the hauling and freight community’s role in Pennsylvania’s economy. The department is committed to working with all affected stakeholders to ensure a smooth transition to the new I-99 designation.
More hauling-permit information is available on the Apply for a PennDOT Hauling Permit page.
After the designation is finalized, the PennDOT’s Automated Permit Routing/Analysis System (APRAS) will prevent the issuance of new divisible overweight permits for this corridor.
This is a federal requirement, not a PennDOT decision. Federal law mandates that interstate highways restrict divisible overweight loads to protect roadway infrastructure and ensure national safety standards.
Yes. Under federal law, milk haulers can be issued permits to operate overweight on interstates, including I-99 corridor.
Haulers should review future trip plans to avoid the I-99 section if their load qualifies as a divisible overweight haul.
Yes. PennDOT is committed to supporting industry partners through this transition. For questions, alternative routing assistance, or additional support, please contact District 3 APRAS Coordinator Nicole Marcyan at 570-368-4415 or nmarcyan@pa.gov.
No. Permits for non-divisible oversize or overweight loads will continue to be issued and remain valid for travel along I-99.
Contact Information
Nicole Marcyan
APRAS Coordinator
570-368-4415
nmarcyan@pa.gov
Della Street
Special Hauling Permits Lead Worker
570-368-4276
dstreet@pa.gov
Don Mulhern
Design Project Manager
570-368-4355
donmulhern@pa.gov
Maggie Baker
Community Relations Coordinator
570-368-4202
magbaker@pa.gov
Accessibility
The project documents can be made available in alternative languages or formats if requested. If you need translation or interpretation services, have special needs, or have concerns that require individual attention, please contact the Project Manager listed above.
Title VI
Pursuant to the Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, PennDOT does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, age, or disability. If you feel that you have been denied the benefits of, or participation in a PennDOT program or activity, you may contact the PennDOT, Bureau of Equal Opportunity, DBE/Title VI Division at 717-787-5891.