CRANBERRY TWP — Work will begin this week on the $14.7 million Route 228 ramp project that is expected to eliminate cross traffic tie-ups for motorists trying to access Interstate 79.

The project is expected to be done by the end of October 2014, said Deborah Casadei, spokesman for state Department of Transportation, District 10.

No impacts to traffic are planned in the early stages of the project. Excavation work is being done off the highway’s shoulder.

The project will eliminate two turns from Route 228 to I-79, improving access for motorists. It involves the construction of a new northbound on-ramp, a new southbound loop ramp, and the reconstruction of the southbound off-ramp at the interchange of I-79 and Route 228.

Currently, westbound drivers on Route 228 who want to get onto I-79 in either direction must first turn left across traffic to get onto the interstate’s on-ramps.

While they’re making those lefts, the through traffic on Route 228 is held back, resulting in a traffic tangle that PennDOT has recognized for years.

“This project has been planned for a number of years and is part of the township’s overall plan for traffic in the Route 228 Corridor,” said Jerry Andree, Cranberry manager.

“The elimination of the left turns on Route 228 to reach north or south I-79 will result in significantly improved traffic flow at that end of the corridor.”