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Construction to Begin Fall 2025

Construction for Section Y10 is scheduled to begin in Fall 2025, following the issuance of the Notice to Proceed. The work will be led by Plum Contracting, a Pittsburgh-based contractor specializing in heavy highway and bridge projects. The estimated construction cost for this section is $47.2 million.

2025 Construction Start-Up Activities

Initial construction efforts will focus on preparing the corridor for major work in 2026. Activities are expected to include:

  • Utility relocations
  • Tree trimming and clearing
  • Minor earthwork operations (weather-permitting during winter months)

Anticipated 2026 Construction Activities

Major construction will begin in 2026 as crews advance work across several areas of the corridor. Planned activities include:

  • Continued utility relocations
  • Construction of new roundabout between Route 130 and Airport Road
  • Temporary roadway work within the Airport Industrial Park area to maintain access during staging

Construction will occur over four seasons, divided into four primary phases:

  • Phase 1: South of Route 130 (Bingham Road to Route 130)
  • Phase 2: North of Route 130 (Route 130 to Green Street)
  • Phase 3: Northern tie-in (Airport Industrial Park and Airport Road Roundabout)
  • Phase 4: New Route 981 alignment (Route 2023/Green Street to Airpark)

The project is anticipated to open to traffic in 2029, with some phases overlapping to maintain progress and minimize disruptions. Detours will primarily utilize state routes, and PennDOT will coordinate closely with the community to manage closures and maintain traffic flow.

Key Features

Y10 Key Features Map

Click to enlarge

  • Three new roundabout:
    • Route 130 Roundabout
    • Airport Road Roundabout
    • Belle Memorial Church Road Roundabout
  • New Route 981 alignment with improved curves and grades
  • Widened lanes (12 ft) and shoulders (8ft)
  • New drainage system with inlets, piping, box culverts, and stormwater basins

Work Zone Safety

Project Contacts

Mark Kmetz, P.E.

Title: PennDOT Construction Manager

Phone: 724.439.7253

Email: makmetz@pa.gov

Jeffrey R. Miller

Title: PennDOT Project Manager

Phone: 724.849.0029

Email: jeffemille@pa.gov

Project Overview

Route 981, Section Y10 is currently in Final Design. The Y10 project extends about 2.5 miles along Hill Churches Road / Bell Memorial Church Road (Route 2023), from the Bingham Road intersection in Mount Pleasant Township, northward to Route 981 at Airport Road in Unity Township, Westmoreland County.

Construction for this section is scheduled to begin in Fall 2025 and will be led by Plum Contracting, with an estimated construction cost of $47.2 million. During the 2026 construction season, work will focus on earthwork, drainage improvements, and the construction of three roundabouts to enhance safety and traffic flow.

 

 

Anticipated Schedule

Preliminary Design: Complete

Final Design and Right-of-Way Acquisition: 2022 - 2025

Construction: 2025 - 2029

 

 

Airpark

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