PennDOT Will Close I-99 Lanes Starting September 21
Work crews will begin removing the concrete median between I-80 and I-99 as part of a major interchange project.
Updated on Sept. 20, 2026 in Openings & Closings
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Beginning September 21, 2026, PennDOT will implement left lane closures on I-99 in both directions to facilitate the removal of the concrete median. The project will continue through early October to improve safety by connecting I-80 and I-99.
Why it matters
The closure is part of a broader $259 million initiative aimed at streamlining traffic flow and safety at the interchange. Providing a direct connection between these two major interstates is designed to alleviate regional congestion and modernize transport infrastructure.
The overall interchange project is valued at $259 million, with $170 million provided through the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Phase one previously accounted for $52 million of the total budget, supported by a $35 million federal INFRA grant.
The players
PennDOT
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation is the state agency responsible for managing the commonwealth's road and bridge networks.
Trumbull Corporation
Based in Pittsburgh, this company is the lead contractor tasked with the execution of the interchange construction project.
The details
Contractor Trumbull Corporation will oversee the removal of the median to advance the multi-year construction schedule. During this period, access to Musser Lane will remain prohibited, and drivers are advised to exit I-99 at exit 83 to utilize Route 550 as an alternative route.
Timeline
Phase one construction occurred from 2020 to 2022.
Route 26 reconstruction and widening began in November 2024.
Left lane closures on I-99 begin on September 21, 2026.
Lane closures are expected to end in early October 2026.
Project completion is scheduled for 2030.
Market Landscape
This project follows a pattern of large-scale infrastructure investment enabled by the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. It demonstrates a shift toward funding complex interchange redesigns to improve regional transit efficiency and connectivity.
Commuters should anticipate delays in the I-99 area and plan to use Route 550 as a detour while the median removal is underway. Residents must also maintain awareness of ongoing work through 2030 as construction continues to affect local traffic patterns.
The takeaway
Large infrastructure projects require significant patience from local commuters as lane closures are essential for long-term safety upgrades. Drivers are encouraged to check traffic alerts regularly until the project reaches its full completion in 2030.
Further reading
For additional information on regional road updates, visit Pennsylvania Openings & Closings.
More information
For live updates on local travel, check the real-time road traffic conditions.
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Do you believe local highway construction projects are worth the resulting traffic delays in your area?
