The new stretch of Route 219 starting in Somerset is due to open on Wednesday. The $330 million project took more than five years to finish.
PennDOT District Executive Thomas Prestash said they are proud that the highway is finally opening.
“It’s a great feeling, obviously. First and foremost, we want to make sure that, when we open the roadway, it’s gonna be tremendous for the area, not only from the safety standpoint, but an economic growth in commerce,” Prestash said.
The section running from Somerset to Meyersdale is 11 miles long. Prestash added that the highway will be much safer and bring more economic developments.
“No matter who you talk to, when it comes to economic growth, whether it’s businesses or any leaders or stakeholders in the community, having good, sound transportation is always in the forefront, so this will obviously bring that to this area. “
The route opens just in time for the Thanksgiving holiday weekend.
