I-99 passing-lane closures to begin Monday

Closures near I-80 interchange expected to remain in place until early October

CLEARFIELD -- Drivers traveling Interstate 99 near its connection with Interstate 80 should expect lane restrictions beginning Monday as construction continues on PennDOT's $259 million high-speed interchange project.

The left, or passing, lanes of I-99 northbound and southbound will close Monday, Sept. 21, while crews remove the concrete median. PennDOT expects the restrictions to remain in place until early October, although the schedule could change because of weather or other unforeseen conditions.

Access to Musser Lane from both directions of I-99 also remains closed. Musser Lane is open but must be reached by taking Exit 83 for Zion and Bellefonte, following Route 550 and continuing to Musser Lane.

The interchange project is intended to create a direct, high-speed connection between I-80 and I-99. Drivers currently must use Route 26 to travel between the two interstates. PennDOT says the new connection will improve safety, ease congestion and support freight movement throughout the region.

The contract includes construction of 10 bridges, four retaining walls, five box culverts, seven sign structures and three changeable-message boards. Crews will also build or reconstruct roads and ramps, improve drainage, install highway lighting and intelligent transportation equipment, add guide rail and pavement markings, and complete stream improvements.

Construction is expected to continue through five construction seasons and conclude in 2030. Trumbull Corp. of Pittsburgh is the contractor. Approximately $170 million of the project's $259 million cost comes from the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

The high-speed interchange is the final phase of a three-part transportation project.

The first phase created a local-access interchange at I-80 mile marker 163, providing a direct connection between Route 26 and I-80 for local traffic. That $52 million project was built between 2020 and 2022 and received a $35 million federal Infrastructure for Rebuilding America grant.

The second phase, involving reconstruction and widening along Route 26, began in November 2024 and is scheduled to be completed this year.

Drivers can monitor construction, delays and traffic conditions at 511PA.com, through the 511PA mobile application or by calling 511. Information about PennDOT construction projects is available through the agency's project portal.