The inaugural drive-through for the long-awaited MSA Thruway will take place in a few weeks, finally bringing to fruition a project that is expected to result in less congested traffic as well as economic benefits for Cranberry Township.

There will be a ribbon-cutting ceremony Oct. 14 for the $12 million tunnel project, which township officials expect will be beneficial to the area.

A roughly one-third reduction — about 700 vehicles during rush hour — in Route 228 eastbound traffic at the Cranberry Springs and Woods intersection is expected as well as a one-quarter shift of vehicles from Route 228 to the Thruway and a 40% decline in queueing vehicles at the I-79 northbound off-ramp.

As for economic impacts, officials believe it will help in the building out of the Cranberry Woods Business Park and the creation of 2,300 full-time jobs.

After three decades of planning, it’s great to see the Thruway finally making its debut soon, and it’s especially impressive that it’s on schedule, considering the COVID-19 pandemic, which slowed down virtually everything else for the past year.

The intersection of I-79 and Route 228 has long been a mess around rush hour, it’s a challenge to get from the interstate to Cranberry Springs and vehicles merging across several lanes to access Route 228 is often the cause of fender benders.

Once it debuts, the Thruway will not only cut down on traffic, but will also make the area more pedestrian friendly. The project includes bike lanes and sidewalk enhancements.

In a previous editorial on the project, we noted the township was a good model for other communities on how to put together a comprehensive plan for development and see it through.

Also, it was an added benefit that the township didn’t have to bear the brunt of the cost because other stakeholders — MSA, the Thruway’s namesake, donated $3.5 million in land for the project, while the state’s Department of Community and Economic Development approved a $2.87 million grant — contributed to the project.

So, not only is the Thruway is a highly beneficial community project, but Cranberry leaders got it done at a low cost for taxpayers and with community support.

“MSA, we keep getting closer to completion,” township engineering and environmental services director Mike Malak said. “(I am) looking forward (to the ribbon cutting) and for things to open up shortly thereafter.”

So are we. Congratulations to everyone who helped to get this project completed.

— NCD