McKEESPORT, Pa. – Allegheny County Executive Dan Onorato, Congressman Mike Doyle, State Senator Jim Brewster, State Representatives Bill Kortz and Marc Gergley, Allegheny County Councilman Bob Macey, McKeesport Mayor Regis McLaughlin and PennDOT District 11 Executive Dan Cessna today opened the newly completed McKeesport flyover ramp, a $10.9 million project that allows unimpeded access between the Industrial Center of McKeesport and Lysle Boulevard (State Route 148).

“It was absolutely essential to provide easy, continuous access to this former industrial site in order for it to continue to grow, attract businesses and create jobs for McKeesport and the surrounding area,” said Onorato. “Improved transportation in and around the Mon Valley has always been a critical piece of our redevelopment plans. This is an exciting day for the Industrial Center of McKeesport and our entire region. I want to thank Congressman Doyle for securing the funding from the Federal Highway Administration.”

“The revitalization of this part of the Mon Valley depends upon the redevelopment of the area’s old industrial sites,” said Congressman Doyle.  “When these sites sit unused and vacant, they’re a heavy burden on the local economy.  I’ve worked for many years with local officials like then-Mayor Brewster and County Executive Onorato to clean up and redevelop the Industrial Center of McKeesport.  This is another important step in our efforts to bring new businesses and jobs to McKeesport, and I’m pleased to have secured the federal funding that made it possible.” 

The project included construction of a ramp that carries traffic over active CSX rail lines and connects Lysle Boulevard and Industry Road. Allegheny County facilitated the design and construction of the ramp and worked with Congressman Doyle, PennDOT, County Councilman Bob Macey, Regional Industrial Development Corporation officials, and then Mayor Jim Brewster on the overall project.

"The flyover ramp is the final step in reclaiming the former mill site for economic development,” said Senator Brewster.  “Thanks to the efforts of our partners, Congressman Mike Doyle, County Executive Dan Onorato, former State Senator Sean Logan and PennDOT Executive Dan Cessna, the ramp to future development is now open for traffic and business."

“The new Flyover Ramp in McKeesport will open up many new economic opportunities for the city; it will provide a good economic shot in the arm,” said State Representative Bill Kortz.

The flyover ramp will greatly improve access to the McKeesport RIDC and open the remaining acreage to development. The intent of this redevelopment project is to clear the site for a highest and best use for the City of McKeesport and Allegheny County with an emphasis on job creation.  Allegheny County assists the RIDC as a part of a joint effort with the City of McKeesport and continues its assistance with projects related to demolition and construction on the site to entice new businesses to locate there.

“McKeesport has recently enjoyed new growth in its industrial manufacturing sector and the addition of this flyover ramp to our RIDC will further enhance our ability to fill all the available acres with great companies and family sustaining jobs,” said State Representative Mark Gergley.

“This long-awaited addition to McKeesport’s infrastructure will provide unimpeded access to the industrial center of McKeesport, and undoubtedly secure the employment base in place, as well as act as a catalyst to recruit new industry and tax base,” said McKeesport Mayor Regis McLaughlin.

The Duquesne Flyover Ramp Project, which was completed in November 2009, crosses active railroad tracks and connects State Route 837 to Center Avenue and a new extension of South Linden Street, RIDC’s Riverplace City Center of Duquesne.

Together, these two flyover projects provide unimpeded access to 385 acres of former industrial sites for redevelopment.

“PennDOT is very pleased to see this significant project, enhancing safety and access, brought to completion,” said PennDOT District 11 Engineer Dan Cessna.

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