The Southern Beltway, a 13-mile stretch of the Pennsylvania Turnpike between U.S. Route 22 and I-79, opens to traffic Friday.
It will open in phases as crews gradually open ramps and uncover signage. The roadway is expected to be fully open by Friday afternoon.
State and local officials held a ribbon cutting for the Southern Beltway Thursday, marking the final step in a 36-year development and construction process.
"It will help ease congestion on arteries," said PA Turnpike Chair Yassmin Gramian. "It will create economic opportunities in surrounding communities. It will provide better access to untapped commercial and industrial sites, and finally it will provide a safer alternative to rural two-lane highways."
The $800 million roadway connects to the Findlay Connector and leads to I-79 at the Allegheny-Washington County line. It is expected to alleviate traffic on the Parkway West, I-79 and Route 50.
Local officials like State Rep. Jason Ortitay (R-Allegheny/Washington) are particularly excited about the potential for an economic boost.
"The amount of businesses and investment coming into this area has been sorely needed in Washington and Allegheny County," he said. "This is going to spark future generation growth. It's going to keep our kids here. It's going to keep people from moving out of this area, and more importantly, it's going to bring some new blood into this area, as well."
There will be three open-road tolling points on the Southern Beltway. Drivers will be charged via E-ZPass or by the PA Toll by Plate program.
