Delays in South Fayette, Bridgeville areas begin due to I-79 ramp closure

ALLEGHENY COUNTY, Pa. — Commuters in the South Fayette/Bridgeville area experienced long traffic backups today, after Pennsylvania Department of Transportation closed the on-ramp to Interstate 79 North. The shutdown officially started Friday evening, but the large delays from commuters started early this morning.

“It normally takes me 3-4 minutes to get here and this morning it took me a little over a half an hour!” said Loretta Checca, a Bridgeville nurse.

Checca works at the doctor’s office next to La Bella Bean coffee shop, where the owner told Channel 11 she also had a long commute today.

“I live a mile up the road and it took 20 min, where it used to take me 2 seconds, actually,” said Mia Massetti.

Massetti pointed out the traffic outside her doors, which was at a standstill and backed up in both directions.

“For a mile of time it takes you 15-20 minutes to get where you need to go.  People know us though, and love us, so they’re willing to wait.”

PennDOT officials told Channel 11 the Miller’s Run Road Ramp to northbound I-79 closure is part of the Chartier’s Bridge Replacement project, which will be widened into seven lanes. The project will also include an exclusive lane from southbound Washington Pike to northbound I-79, while Chartier’s Street will be widened to include a turning lane.

Bridgeville small business owners say the area has already seen significant traffic due to all of the growth in the area, and they’re hoping for some traffic relief when the construction is finally complete.

“The traffic has been bad for years now. It’s called “Boom Town” ... everything is just crazy... I hope it gets better when the construction is done and we are able to drive, but as of now it’s kind of a nightmare,” said Massetti.

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