Work to start on ramp linking Route 28, I-279
Work starts Monday on a Route 28 ramp that will allow inbound drivers to move directly onto Interstate 279 toward Downtown.
PennDOT's $7.9 million ramp linking the two highways -- when completed next September -- would become a much faster alternative to exiting Route 28 at East Ohio Street in the North Side to connect with I-279.
Drivers will benefit, but Allegheny Sandwich Shoppe owner Nick Mastros said the situation is similar to PennDOT's construction of I-279 -- the Parkway North -- about 20 years ago.
Before I-279's construction, Western Avenue -- where Mastros' shop is located -- was a main artery for drivers heading to and from the West End Bridge. The bridge was a main route to reach southern destinations then, and many drivers stopped for a meal, he said.
"We did lose business," he said. "We lost a lot of salespeople who came through the area who would stop and have lunch. They didn't stop as frequently.
"I assume that ramp will do the same to East Ohio Street and other parts of the North Side as well."
The ramp is projected to carry up to 15,000 vehicles a day, PennDOT spokesman Jim Struzzi said Wednesday.
"When the project is completed next year, commuters will save time and money by using this direct connection to bypass three signalized intersections on East Ohio Street," he said.
PennDOT designed the ramp while planning its $130 million reconstruction of Route 28 between Millvale and the North Side. That project is scheduled to begin in 2009 after completion of the ramp.
The reconstruction project will eliminate traffic signals at the intersections at the 31st and 40th Street bridges.
When done, a driver could follow inbound Route 28 from Kittanning in Armstrong County to Pittsburgh International Airport without stopping.
The ability to bypass East Ohio Street might be a positive for businesses because it will unclog the daily traffic jams that could scare away potential customers, said Robin Rosemary Miller, executive director of the Northside Northshore Chamber of Commerce.
"I think there are people who want to come to the North Side as a destination, and the people who weren't going to come here to begin with are going to zip over the ramp," she said.
"It's inevitable. That Route 28 corridor is just awful. You're not doing anyone any favors by continuing to block up traffic and hope people come into the neighborhood."
The project will not hinder motorists until Sept. 24. Then, motorists on East Ohio Street and Madison Avenue will be delayed at times as contractor Brayman Corp. of Butler County brings material and equipment to the job site. There are no lane closings scheduled on Route 28.
