Work is wrapping up on year one of a two-year project to improve nearly 11 miles of Interstate 79 in Crawford and Erie counties, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) announced Friday.

The northbound and southbound lanes from mile marker 154 in Hayfield Township, Crawford County to mile marker 165 in Washington Township, Erie County, is being paved. Rehabilitation work will also be completed on 10 bridges. The project also includes work on the rest stops near mile post 163 at the Crawford-Erie county line, guiderail updates and drainage improvements.

In the first year of the project, crews milled and paved the northbound and southbound lanes from mile post 154 in Hayfield Township, Crawford County to mile post 159 in Cussewago Township, Crawford County.

Lane restrictions were lifted on Thursday, Oct. 14.

Work during the second year of the project will include milling and paving from mile post 159 in Cussewago Township, Crawford County, to mile post 165 in Washington Township, Erie County. Work will also be done at the rest stop and to the bridges within this section.

Work is expected to restart April 2022, weather-permitting, and will be completed in October 2022.

Lindy Paving Inc., of Union City, was awarded the $15,683,238 contract, which is being paid entirely with federal funds.