[naviga:h3]Expressway’s final part approved[/naviga:h3]

PITTSBURGH — The Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission has approved the last portion of the Mon-Fayette Expressway.

Representatives approved the $2.2 billion extension in a 47 to 4 vote Monday. The proposed expressway will connect state Route 51 in Jefferson Hills with Interstate Highway 376 near Monroeville, accomplishing a three-decade effort to link Interstate Highway 68 near Morgantown and Interstate Highway 376.

Critics of the plan worry the project, which has stalled in the past, will not be completed. Others are concerned the Turnpike Commission’s projections on employment and economic development are incorrect.

Supporters say the expressway will help revitalize the Monongahela Valley region.

The Federal Highway Administration must approve an environmental impact statement next for the project.

[naviga:h3]Japanese auto parts supplier reorganizes[/naviga:h3]

DOVER, Del. — A Delaware bankruptcy judge on Tuesday granted several preliminary orders allowing Japanese auto parts supplier Takata to move forward with its reorganization plan, which includes the sale of most of its assets to a Chinese-owned rival for $1.6 billion.

Takata was forced into bankruptcy this week amid lawsuits, multimillion-dollar fines and crushing costs related to the recall and replacement of tens of millions of lethally defective air bag inflators.

At a first-day hearing, Judge Brendan Shannon granted various motions allowing Takata to continue paying its bills and working with suppliers and customers. Shannon’s rulings include approval of a key agreement between Takata and major automobile manufacturers, who are both the company’s largest customers and largest creditor group, that Takata hopes will provide sufficient near-term liquidity as it moves through the bankruptcy and sale process.

Takata will continue to manufacture and supply parts and replacement kits during the bankruptcy.