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After 18 Years, Route 22 Reopens

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- After nearly two decades of construction, a Westmoreland County road is finally reopening to traffic.

This morning, PennDOT held a celebration to reopen four lanes of traffic along Route 22 near the Indiana County line.

With the completion of a nine-phase reconstruction project, Route 22 will now be four lanes for the entire stretch from Murrysville to Interstate 99.

"The improvements that were made by the completion of this project have greatly improved the traffic and the highway safety on Route 22," State Police Capt. George Kuzilla said. "As everyone knows, Route 22 historically had been a very dangerous highway to drive on."

Drivers have been waiting a long time for this day.

"I think it's excellent," Karen Jackson, of Wilkins Township, said. "It's a lot smoother traffic going all the way out to State College and beyond."

"I remember the old days and that center turning lane that wasn't any good," Harold Jackson added. "This is a big improvement."

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