The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission (PTC) in the US has awarded two contracts for Southern Beltway (SR 576) project works between State Route 22 and a planned interchange with Interstate 79 (I-79) in Allegheny and Washington counties.

The works include a 12-mile tolled expressway that will extend from the southern terminus of the current six-mile Southern Beltway section, called the Findlay Connector.

It will start at State Route 22 in eastern Washington County, run via southeast into western Allegheny County near McDonald and connect with I-79 at the Washington-Allegheny County line.

"The Route 22 to I-79 project will create economic opportunities."

PTC chairman William Lieberman said: "When opened to traffic, the Route 22 to I-79 project will create economic opportunities in Findlay, Robinson, Mount Pleasant, Cecil and North and South Fayette townships.

"It will provide better access to sites being developed by the Allegheny county Airport Authority and a direct link from I-79 to more than 4,000 acres of private, untapped commercial and industrial lands," Lieberman added.

CDR and Maguire will manage the construction of this entire project, which is expected to include several construction contracts at an estimated cost of about $550m.

The $14m first construction contract, awarded to Mosites Construction Company, includes construction of a bridge to carry the Southern Beltway over US Route 22 and serve as part of the interchange that connects US Route 22 and the Beltway. It is expected to begin early this year.

The overall Route 22 to I-79 project will extend the Southern Beltway to 19 total miles, linking I-79 to I-376 at the Pittsburgh International Airport, and is expected to double traffic on the Findlay Connector to about 6,500 vehicles everyday.