The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission has taken a first step in redesigning the Breezewood interchange to provide a direct link for motorists who want to exit the turnpike and head south to Maryland on Interstate 70.
Turnpike officials this week announced Alfred Benesch and Company, which has offices in Cranberry and Pottsville, as the lead designer for the Breezewood project in Bedford County.
Drivers no longer would need to detour over a commercially developed quarter-mile section of Route 30 with two traffic lights that currently links the turnpike and I-70 in Breezewood.
A revamped interchange still would provide access from the turnpike to that community.
As part of an ongoing effort to expand to six lanes, a three-mile segment of the turnpike in the project area is slated for reconstruction and widening.
Officials said it’s too early to provide a specific project timeline.
But they noted, on average, it takes between eight and 10 years from the point the turnpike seeks a design consultant to beginning construction on a project.
The design firm will be paid $20 million for its work, which will include engaging stakeholders in the process and performing an alternative analysis. It was selected from 13 firms that submitted proposals.
According to preliminary estimates, other project costs could total about $200 million.
“As the project evolves and more details are finalized, this price could change,” said turnpike press secretary Marissa Orbanek. “The extent of the work is finalized during the preliminary design stage.”
Turnpike officials said reconfiguring the links among the routes at Breezewood was a better option than simply renovating the existing turnpike interchange, which was part of the original 1930s road design.
The project is expected to relieve congestion in Breezewood.
In 2022, according to turnpike statistics, 2.65 million vehicles exited the toll road at Breezewood and 2.83 million entered there. Trucks accounted for 37% of that traffic.
“The Breezewood Interchange project will show how transportation can improve communities’ economies and quality of life,” said PennDOT Secretary and PA Turnpike Commission Chairman Mike Carroll. “Not only will traffic flow and safety be improved, but truck-parking access and trail connections will also be included.”
Bette Slayton, president and CEO of the Bedford County Development Association, voiced support for the Breezewood project. “Infrastructure investments like this are critical in supporting local businesses, attracting new development and ensuring long-term growth,” Slayton said.
The revamped Breezewood interchange could provide access to the TOPP Trail from either the turnpike or I-70, according to Jim Wehling, co-chair of the Bedford/Fulton Joint Recreation Authority that has developed and owns the trail.
Also known as The Old PA Pike Trail, the hiking and biking route covers 13 miles of an abandoned section of the turnpike, with access points near Breezewood at the west end and the turnpike’s Sideling Hill service plaza at the east end, in Fulton County.
“Our hope is TOPP Trail and connections to other trails will become major assets in Breezewood’s transition to a vibrant community and gateway to Bedford and Fulton County’s outdoor recreational assets,” Wehling said. “We look forward to working with the design team.”