MUDDY CREEK TWP —Improvements to the Interstate 79, Route 422 interchange are ahead of schedule and poised to continue at a rapid pace, according to the state Department of Transportation.

Work on the project began April 13 and includes replacing the two I-79 bridges over Route 422 one at a time. The northbound bridge on I-79 will be replaced first, according to Lori Musto, PennDOT project manager at the site.

Trumbull Corp. of Pittsburgh is overseeing the $14 million project, which is slated for completion in fall 2014.

“We actually designed this project as a two-year project, with the northbound lanes scheduled for completion in the first year, and the southbound lanes completed next year,” Musto said.

“But Trumbull is making an attempt to complete both of them this year. We are not guaranteeing that (completion schedule), though, since it would take an extremely aggressive work schedule to get that done.”

About 25,000 vehicles use I-79 in this area daily, according to PennDOT.

All I-79 traffic currently is routed, via crossover lanes, into single lanes on the southbound side, which has caused some confusion during the project’s first two weeks.

“On I-79 northbound, continuing traffic must be in the left (passing) lane; the right lane is exit-only. Also, drivers must be aware that there is no reentry onto Interstate 79 north from Route 422 (either direction),” Musto said.

“We’ve added some message boards to remind drivers, and are being assisted by state police.”

In addition to the bridge replacements, the project includes reconstruction of ramps and roads at the interchange, new overhead sign structures, and installation of a traffic-monitoring camera and three digital message signs.