Pennsylvania Governor Corbett Addresses Route 19 Wexford Flats Improvement Project Ribbon Cutting, Discusses Role of Transportation in Building a Strong Economy

PITTSBURGH, Dec. 3, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Governor Tom Corbett discussed today the importance of the Route 19 Wexford Flats improvement project to the Pittsburgh region and the role transportation plays in building strong Pennsylvania economy.

"Representative Mike Turzai (R-Allegheny) and the local officials of this community have much to be proud of today," Corbett said, addressing those in attendance at the improvement project ribbon cutting ceremony. "Their dedication to the completion of this important project was unwavering. I thank them for their commitment and leadership."

About 28,000 vehicles use the section of roadway covered by the Route 19 Wexford Flats Improvement Project on an average day. The $21 million safety and congestion improvement project began in March 2011 and widened Route 19 from 42 feet to 63 feet. Other improvements included adding a center turn lane and new, improved traffic signals that were added at eight intersections in the project area.

The new five-lane configuration of Route 19 was opened to traffic Nov. 6. A northbound lane closure will remain in some areas as needed for work on sidewalks, paving and other activities that will continue as weather allows through winter. Overall work will conclude in spring 2013.

Corbett discussed the importance of developing a long-term solution for transportation in Pennsylvania and the role that plan will play in building a strong economy.

"Southwestern Pennsylvania is at a critical juncture in its economic history," Corbett said.  "We are sitting in the middle of the largest energy boom in more than 150 years, we hope to become the location of the first ethane processing plant ever built in the northeast United States and this is all developing alongside a growing bio-medical and high technology sector that could revolutionize manufacturing."

"We don't simply want a solution that will work tomorrow. We want one that will work the day after tomorrow and in the decades ahead."

"I look forward to working with Representative Turzai and with the rest of the legislature in making moments like this one an everyday event as we build a transportation system for the new century," Corbett said.

For more information, visit www.pa.gov.

Media contact:  Kelli Roberts, 717-783-1116

SOURCE Pennsylvania Office of the Governor