The High-Speed interchange project was designed to create a direct connection between Interstates 80 and 99. A detour for the project has been extended to July.

From staff reports

STATE COLLEGE — The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation announced that a detour on Route 26 southbound between the Interstate 80 westbound off-ramps and Forest Avenue will remain in place through July due to ongoing work on the High-Speed Interchange project.

The project is designed to create a direct connection between Interstates 80 and 99, eliminating the need for motorists to use Route 26 to access the interstates. Officials say the change will improve traffic safety, reduce congestion, and better separate local and interstate traffic.

PennDOT had previously anticipated removing the detour in the spring, but severe winter weather delayed construction progress, requiring the extension.

Under the current traffic pattern, motorists traveling on I-80 westbound toward I-99 southbound will not be permitted to use Exit 161 (Bellefonte). Instead, traffic will continue to Exit 158 (Milesburg), where drivers will exit, re-enter I-80 eastbound, and then access I-99 southbound via the Bellefonte exit.

Traffic traveling southbound on Route 26 from Howard toward State College will also be detoured onto I-80 westbound and follow the same routing.

Northbound Route 26 traffic toward Howard will not be affected.

Drivers are encouraged to check conditions on 511PA for real-time updates, including traffic delays, weather forecasts, and camera views. The service is available online, by phone at 5-1-1, and through a mobile app.

Information on PennDOT projects can be found at Pennsylvania Department of Transportation websites and regional district pages.