ITS: Washington County, Pa., ITS system nears completion

A Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) intelligent transportation system (ITS) project in Washington County, Pa., is 95% complete and will begin operation later this year, according to the department.

There will be several elements to the new ITS, including:

• Traffic camera and signage network: A new network of 21 traffic cameras and eight variable message signs along I-70 will go online later in 2013. The new system will be connected to the existing network in PennDOT District 11, which includes Allegheny County.
• Roundabouts: One of the centerpieces of the project will be a double roundabout at the misaligned intersection of Route 519, Thomas-Eighty Four Road and Brownlee Road in North Strabane. Up to four additional roundabouts will be built along I-70. Construction will start on the double roundabout in 2014; work will begin on the remaining interchanges the following year.
• Diverging diamond interchange: The state’s first diverging diamond interchange will be constructed at the intersection of Route 19 and I-70 in South Strabane. The innovative design will move traffic over to the left side in both directions on Route 19 on the approach to I-70; this will allow drivers to turn left onto highway entrance ramps without crossing oncoming traffic. Construction will begin in 2015.

The entire project—a three-year endeavor—carries a cost of $10 million.