MUDDY CREEK TOWNSHIP (KDKA) — Traveling Interstate 79 through Butler County may take you a little longer, at least for the next several months. Construction on a new project kicked off Thursday morning.

In Pittsburgh, the month of March means construction. And projects are starting up all over the area.

In Muddy Creek Township, crews kicked off work on I-79 right at the Route 422 interchange.

“We’re starting a $14 million project to rehabilitate and reconstruct that interchange,” PennDOT spokesperson Jim Struzzi said. “It includes various ramp improvements, the installation of traffic cameras and message boards, improvements on I-79 as far as reconstructing the roadway.”

The project requires restrictions.

For now, traffic on the interstate is down to a single lane in each direction. That will allow crews to build temporary crossovers through the median on 79.

Then, later this month or in early April, the single-lane traffic in each direction will be shifted entirely to the southbound side.

“Use both lanes up to that merge point and allow other motorists to courteously meld into a single lane, that helps keep traffic moving, it shortens the length of time you are delayed,” Struzzi said.

With about $25,000 vehicles traveling that stretch of 79 each and every day, there will be congestion and backups, especially during peak hours.

Allow yourself extra time and try to be patient.

Restrictions at the intersection will last through the summer.

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