The long-awaited opening of the Southern Beltway on the Pa. Turnpike was held on Thursday.

The 13-mile section of roadway between Route 22 and Interstate 79 in Robinson Township connects to the existing six-mile Findlay Connector and leads to to I-79 at the Allegheny-Washington County line.

The event was attended by Turpike Commission, state and local officials along with transportation and construction partners.