Route 119 Safety Improvements Planned for Fayette County
As part of an effort to reduce crashes along a particularly troublesome stretch of highway in Fayette County, PennDOT is planning to make significant safety improvements to Route 119.
Intersection Redesign Aims to Decrease Collisions
“It all started with a desire to reduce crashes at these intersections,” said Jeremy M. Hughes, assistant District 12 executive for design, highlighting a series of crashes at the McClure Road and Kingview Road intersections.
These intersections, situated in Upper Tyrone and Bullskin townships just over the border from Westmoreland County, are the focus of the project.
Bids are expected to be requested in spring 2024, with construction potentially commencing later that year. While the heart of the project won’t impact Route 119 motorists until 2026, the ultimate goal is to significantly enhance safety in this area. Plans include constructing Connector Road, a new bridge traversing Route 119 to connect Mt. Pleasant Road (northbound) and Kendi Road (southbound).
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The project aligns with a larger effort to reduce traffic accidents in the area. “We hope to see a reduction in crashes in that area once this work is complete,” said Hughes.
But concerns about safety have been simmering for several years. Between 2019 and 2023, PennDOT data highlights five rear-end collisions at the Kingview Road intersection alone. This doesn’t include a handful of other crashes that have occurred at both intersections. Notably, a woman was killed near the McClure Road intersection in 2020 after hitting a deer, while a motorcyclist died near the Kingview Road intersection in March following a separate incident. In 2015, a three-vehicle collision near the Kingview Road intersection left four people injured. “We believe these changes will make a significant difference,”
taget=”_blank” href=”https://www.pa.gov/en/agencies/penndot/regional-offices/district-12.html#sortCriteria=%40copapwpeffectivedate%20descending” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener”>penndot.pa.gov/District12
([https://www.impa.gov/en/agencies/penndot/regional-offices/ District 12 website](https://www.pa.gov/en/agencies/penndot/regional-offices/district-12.html <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="https://www.pa.gov/en/agencies/penndot/projects-near-you/district-12-projects/route119-mcclure.Kendi Road will be extended to connect with Kingview Road, enabling wider access and improved traffic flow. The project also includes the makeover,transforming traffic patterns and reducing risks.
said Joshua Zakovitch, project manager for the ambitious undertaking. “we’re looking at a phased construction process, so while there may be some lane restrictions generated at times, motorists will be able to continue traveling north and south throughout the duration of the project.” Approximately 23,000 vehicles use this stretch of Route 119 daily.added.
A roundabout will be installed at the new Connector and Mt. Pleasant roads junction.
The project, which is expected to be completed in the fall of 2027, has a price tag exceeding $50 million.
The local community is invited to review and provide feedback on planned proposals.
Public comments can be submitted online through Dec. 10.
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What is the projected timeline for the completion of the Route 119 improvements project?
## Route 119 Improvements in Fayette County: Interview with Jeremy M. Hughes
**Host:** Joining us today is Jeremy M. Hughes, assistant District 12 executive for design at PennDOT. Jeremy, thanks for being here.
**Jeremy M. Hughes:** It’s a pleasure to be here.
**Host:** Let’s talk about the proposed safety improvements planned for Route 119 in Fayette County. What prompted this project?
**Hughes:** We’ve seen a concerning number of crashes at the McClure Road and Kingview Road intersections. [cite referenced article] Our aim is to redesign these intersections to make them safer for everyone.
**Host:** Can you elaborate on the specific changes being considered?
**Hughes:** The project plans include constructing “Connector Road,” a new bridge going over Route 119. This will connect Mt. Pleasant Road northbound to Kendi Road southbound, improving traffic flow and reducing the likelihood of collisions.
**Host:** I understand this area has a history of serious accidents.
**Hughes:** Absolutely. Between 2019 and 2023, PennDOT data shows there have been five rear-end collisions alone at the Kingview Road intersection. There have also been other serious incidents including fatalities in recent years.
**Host:** When can residents expect to see these improvements?
**Hughes:** We anticipate requesting bids in spring 2024, with construction potentially starting later that year. Motorists won’t see significant changes until 2026.
**Host:** What message do you have for the community?
**Hughes:** We want to assure residents that safety is our top priority. We are dedicated to reducing crashes in this area and believe these changes will make a significant difference.