CENTRE COUNTY — State Dept. of Transportation Secretary Mike Carroll announced recently that the department is investing $212 million in 80 projects in its Clearfield-based region this year to improve Pennsylvania’s roads and bridges so that drivers can get to their destinations safely and on time.
“Investment in Pennsylvania’s roads is an investment in Pennsylvania’s future,” said Carroll. “Roads support millions of jobs in the retail, tourism, and construction industries, which makes maintaining and expanding our network essential to Pennsylvania’s long-term success. Governor Shapiro recognizes this and continues to show his commitment to Pennsylvania’s future with this more than $200 million investment.”
Under Gov. Josh Shapiro’s administration, 19,451 miles of roads have been improved statewide, and work has advanced on 1,738 state and local bridges. PennDOT is building on that momentum this year and anticipates investing $212 million in District 2, which includes Cameron, Centre, Clearfield, Clinton, Elk, Juniata, McKean, Mifflin, and Potter counties. This investment includes reconstructing and resurfacing more than 115 miles of highways, sealcoating 316 miles of road, and repairing or replacing 77 bridges.
“Our region has a diverse portfolio of new projects expected to start in 2026 in addition to the 16 projects carrying over from previous construction seasons,” said PennDOT District 2 Executive Thomas Prestash. “They include the construction of new highway infrastructure, preservation of existing highway and bridge assets across our nine counties, and highway safety improvement projects, all of which are focused on delivering a safe and reliable transportation network to Pennsylvania motorists.”
Work on a pair of Interstate improvement projects continues during the 2026 construction season. Work on the high-speed interchange project connecting Interstates 80 (I-80) and 99 (I-99) in Centre County will enhance traffic safety by relieving traffic congestion along Route 26, providing a direct connection between the two interstates and making it unnecessary to travel Route 26 to access them.
Notable projects expected to begin or continue this year in Centre County include:
- I-80 construction project to build a high-speed interchange between Interstates 80 and 99 near the Bellefonte Interchange in Marion Township, $259.3 million.
- Route 26 (Jacksonville Road) highway restoration project near the Bellefonte Interchange in Marion Township, $8.6 million.
- I-99 bridge preservation project impacting 15 structures and 11 road sections on between mile markers 59-80, $3.1 million.
- Route 144 highway restoration/drainage improvement project near the intersection with 192 with impacts Centre Hall Borough and Potter Township, $1 million.
- Route 322 safety improvement project to construct a truck pull-off along the eastbound lane at the top of Port Mountain in Rush Township, $720,000.
As construction projects are underway in the region, the traveling public can anticipate seeing many work zones in addition to those listed above and are urged to keep in mind their safety and the safety of highway workers. When encountering a work zone, please drive the posted speed limit, turn on your headlights, pay close attention to signs and flaggers, and avoid all distractions.
