Interstate 99 north of Williamsport

[webny99]

I drove by the 220 north interchange today. I noticed they put up new signage on I-80 east (still wrapped) behind the current US 220 exit signage. "To I-99 North" perhaps?

Yeah, it will be interesting to see if the I-80 overlap gets dual-signed as I-99 as part of this project. I'm repeating myself here, but I'd like to see that short section of US 220 twinned so that I-99 could just be signed on up to Jersey Shore.

Other than Exit 178 itself, it would be a relatively inexpensive project, and it would easily work to just twin the last few miles and sign it as I-99 while leaving Exit 178 as-is until funding permits a full Exit 161-style reconstruction. After all, PA isn't exactly foreign to substandard interstate junctions, including Exit 161 itself for the last several decades. Another decade of a similar situation at Exit 178 would be better than a large gap in I-99, IMO - and it would force Exit 178 and the remaining gap between Jersey Shore and Williamsport to become a priority.

[LeftyJR]

Yeah, about half of the signs are up (they are storing them at the stub end near the Salona exit of US-220 - which I drive past frequently).  They all have tarps draped over them, so I can't see exactly how they have these signed.  When I can see something, I'll update you all.

[webny99]

What I'd really like to hear is a valid argument for why US 220 can't be twinned between Salona and I-80 by the time Exit 161 reconstruction is complete in 2030. That excludes "cost" unless the argument proves that the cost will go down by waiting.

[74/171FAN]

PennDOT - District 3 News: Shapiro Administration Announces New Designation of Interstate 99 in Lycoming and Tioga Counties, Strengthening the Region's Economy and Transportation Network

[jmacswimmer]

Looks like google maps already jumped the gun:



Curious whether US 15 will initially remain in an overlap with I-99 or if it will be truncated to Williamsport as part of this signing work. I remember NYSDOT initially removing US 15 signage when they first designated I-99, so I imagine that's still the long-term intent.

[74/171FAN]

Curious whether US 15 will initially remain in an overlap with I-99 or if it will be truncated to Williamsport as part of this signing work. I remember NYSDOT initially removing US 15 signage when they first designated I-99, so I imagine that's still the long-term intent.

It will be an overlap for the time being.

[The Ghostbuster]

Hopefully, US 15 will eventually be truncated and the signs will be removed.

[Bobby5280]

Google Earth has recent imagery, dated 6/4/2026, showing a good amount of progress on the Western I-80/I-99 interchange. Are there any plans yet for the I-80/US-220 interchange near Salona? The existing Super 2 segment going thru Salona should be easy enough to upgrade. But a new Y interchange with I-80 will cost some serious money. Then there's that 7 mile portion of US-220 West of Williamsport that has to be handled somehow.

[vdeane]

I find it interesting that PennDOT is signing the I-80 overlap, even though there will be a gap with existing I-99 for several years while the interchange gets built and connecting it to Williamsport is still likely decades away (if it ever happens at all).  It's gonna make life really interesting for TM, that's for sure!

[Beltway]

Curious whether US 15 will initially remain in an overlap with I-99 or if it will be truncated to Williamsport as part of this signing work. I remember NYSDOT initially removing US 15 signage when they first designated I-99, so I imagine that's still the long-term intent.

Usually an old route will remain for a year or two so as not to confuse the public.

I will be able to drive this in mid-Sept when I visit WNY.

[Roadgeek Adam]

I find it interesting that PennDOT is signing the I-80 overlap, even though there will be a gap with existing I-99 for several years while the interchange gets built and connecting it to Williamsport is still likely decades away (if it ever happens at all).  It's gonna make life really interesting for TM, that's for sure!

I doubt it ever does. That said, there's no reason to make it 99. There's not gonna be any growth or spur in development making it 99 instead of 15.

[Bitmapped]

But a new Y interchange with I-80 will cost some serious money.

I doubt the eastern I-80/I-99 interchange becomes a high-speed Y. There's little traffic to/from the east on I-80 as most traffic going that way would just take I-180, US 15, or PA 880 east of here already. A lot of traffic also uses PA 64 between I-80 and US 220 now as it's shorter. There is not the same level of importance as the western interchange.

A flyover for EB to NB coupled with a high speed ramp to I-80 WB would be sufficient and could be overlaid on top of the existing interchange. Alternatively, PennDOT could build a new road to provide access to South Heckmans Gap Road (dead end stub heading south from interchange) and just rebuild the existing interchange as a trumpet.

[Beltway]

I find it interesting that PennDOT is signing the I-80 overlap, even though there will be a gap with existing I-99 for several years while the interchange gets built and connecting it to Williamsport is still likely decades away (if it ever happens at all).  It's gonna make life really interesting for TM, that's for sure!

I doubt it ever does. That said, there's no reason to make it 99. There's not gonna be any growth or spur in development making it 99 instead of 15.

PennDOT said they would have "I-99 trailblazers" on US-220 between I-80 and W'Port.

Like what?

TO North I-99
TO South I-99

So I suppose that could provide "continuity" on the corridor between Bedford PA and Corning NY.

[74/171FAN]

I find it interesting that PennDOT is signing the I-80 overlap, even though there will be a gap with existing I-99 for several years while the interchange gets built and connecting it to Williamsport is still likely decades away (if it ever happens at all).  It's gonna make life really interesting for TM, that's for sure!

I doubt it ever does. That said, there's no reason to make it 99. There's not gonna be any growth or spur in development making it 99 instead of 15.

PennDOT said they would have "I-99 trailblazers" on US-220 between I-80 and W'Port.

Like what?

TO North I-99
TO South I-99

So I suppose that could provide "continuity" on the corridor between Bedford PA and Corning NY.

Yes it will be signed like that on I-80 and US 220.

[webny99]

But a new Y interchange with I-80 will cost some serious money.

Actually, I bet it costs less - possibly much less - than the current Exit 161 reconstruction. Yes, you still have the bridges and flyovers (unless they go with a trumpet, which seems unlikely) but it's a lot less complex overall.

I doubt the eastern I-80/I-99 interchange becomes a high-speed Y. There's little traffic to/from the east on I-80 as most traffic going that way would just take I-180, US 15, or PA 880 east of here already. A lot of traffic also uses PA 64 between I-80 and US 220 now as it's shorter. There is not the same level of importance as the western interchange.

I agree it's less important than Exit 161, but I do think a Y-interchange could be justified. An Interstate-speed connection would make the PA 64 shortcut largely obsolete for long-distance traffic (especially NB), and there's more traffic to/from the east than you might think as that is the fastest route to Lock Haven (which has a university campus), the PA 120 corridor, and a good portion of the Bald Eagle valley.

[sprjus4]

But a new Y interchange with I-80 will cost some serious money.

Actually, I bet it costs less - possibly much less - than the current Exit 161 reconstruction. Yes, you still have the bridges and flyovers (unless they go with a trumpet, which seems unlikely) but it's a lot less complex overall.

I doubt the eastern I-80/I-99 interchange becomes a high-speed Y. There's little traffic to/from the east on I-80 as most traffic going that way would just take I-180, US 15, or PA 880 east of here already. A lot of traffic also uses PA 64 between I-80 and US 220 now as it's shorter. There is not the same level of importance as the western interchange.

I agree it's less important than Exit 161, but I do think a Y-interchange could be justified. An Interstate-speed connection would make the PA 64 shortcut largely obsolete for long-distance traffic (especially NB), and there's more traffic to/from the east than you might think as that is the fastest route to Lock Haven (which has a university campus), the PA 120 corridor, and a good portion of the Bald Eagle valley.

Is it enough traffic to not just place a EB -> NB flyover over the existing interchange, and a free-flowing SB -> WB ramp?

I question whether the volumes warrant a flyover to the east.

[vdeane]

Is it enough traffic to not just place a EB -> NB flyover over the existing interchange, and a free-flowing SB -> WB ramp?

I question whether the volumes warrant a flyover to the east.

I doubt it, though given how the northern I-295/I-95 interchange in NC was upgraded, I doubt FHWA would be amused by just building the I-99 through movements and leaving the rest alone.  But I could see a trumpet with a local road built to service the houses (it should be possible to connect Sun Valley Road to Jones Road) or even just buying out the houses if that is easier.  I wonder if PennDOT would be inclined to take care of it whenever the I-80 bridges at that interchange come due for replacement.

[Beltway]

That section of US-220 between I-80 and PA-477 is a 2-lane freeway on 4-lane right-of-way.

So they need to build a parallel roadway for 3.0 miles. Then provide a direct connection ramp between EB I-80/I-99 and NB US-220/Future I-99.

From Jersey Shore to 7 miles east is nonlimited-access and will be bypassed some time in the future.

Those two segments would complete I-99.

[webny99]

I doubt the eastern I-80/I-99 interchange becomes a high-speed Y. There's little traffic to/from the east on I-80 as most traffic going that way would just take I-180, US 15, or PA 880 east of here already. A lot of traffic also uses PA 64 between I-80 and US 220 now as it's shorter. There is not the same level of importance as the western interchange.

I agree it's less important than Exit 161, but I do think a Y-interchange could be justified. An Interstate-speed connection would make the PA 64 shortcut largely obsolete for long-distance traffic (especially NB), and there's more traffic to/from the east than you might think as that is the fastest route to Lock Haven (which has a university campus), the PA 120 corridor, and a good portion of the Bald Eagle valley.

Is it enough traffic to not just place a EB -> NB flyover over the existing interchange, and a free-flowing SB -> WB ramp?

I question whether the volumes warrant a flyover to the east.

A half-baked rebuild option that leaves some or all of the existing diamond in place is not an acceptable permanent solution IMO - especially given that a WB-NB flyover that enters on the right would interfere with the Mackeyville interchange.

But not because the existing setup can't handle the volumes. I just don't agree with non-free-flow interstate-to-interstate connections in general, and I certainly don't see local access as prohibitive to free flow here. I'd be ok with a trumpet or any other free flow design too. My point was only that the movements between north and east are just normal lighter volume movements, not ultra-low volume ones that can be relegated to a U-turn style ramp or left out entirely.

[LeftyJR]

But a new Y interchange with I-80 will cost some serious money.

Actually, I bet it costs less - possibly much less - than the current Exit 161 reconstruction. Yes, you still have the bridges and flyovers (unless they go with a trumpet, which seems unlikely) but it's a lot less complex overall.

I doubt the eastern I-80/I-99 interchange becomes a high-speed Y. There's little traffic to/from the east on I-80 as most traffic going that way would just take I-180, US 15, or PA 880 east of here already. A lot of traffic also uses PA 64 between I-80 and US 220 now as it's shorter. There is not the same level of importance as the western interchange.

I agree it's less important than Exit 161, but I do think a Y-interchange could be justified. An Interstate-speed connection would make the PA 64 shortcut largely obsolete for long-distance traffic (especially NB), and there's more traffic to/from the east than you might think as that is the fastest route to Lock Haven (which has a university campus), the PA 120 corridor, and a good portion of the Bald Eagle valley.

Traffic to Williamsport takes this route. 64 is becoming more crowded and it seems 220 is more heavily used. This is all based on my observations since I live in the area.

I don't think people take Exit 210 or 212 from 80 going east.

[The Ghostbuster]

Well, at least they finally closed off the 4 Mile Rd. intersection: https://www.google.com/maps/@41.4179761,-77.0692819,3a,75y,7.29h,73.5t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1sPQYpqR6FeAR03nmiMBN42A!2e0!6shttps:%2F%2Fstreetviewpixels-pa.googleapis.com%2Fv1%2Fthumbnail%3Fcb_client%3Dmaps_sv.tactile%26w%3D900%26h%3D600%26pitch%3D16.502625248960612%26panoid%3DPQYpqR6FeAR03nmiMBN42A%26yaw%3D7.291228472196265!7i16384!8i8192?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI2MDcxNS4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D. That was the only thing that was keeping US 15 from becoming part of Interstate 99.

[webny99]

I know it's semi-fictional, but here is my proposal for an Exit 178 redesign.

This proposal would leave the existing I-80 overpasses in place for Heckmans Gap Rd. The I-99 mainline would fly over Heckmans Gap Rd in both directions and NB traffic would also fly over I-80. Much of the WB to NB ramp could remain and would be realigned to connect with the new I-99 mainline. The SB to EB ramp would depart from the right and pass under both I-99 mainline and I-80, while avoiding Heckmans Gap Rd. I have not looked at this from a technical or engineering standpoint but functionally this would be my preferred design.

EDIT: Proposal has been changed to put Heckmans Gap on a new alignment underpass of I-80 and have the SB to EB ramp use the existing underpasses.

[The Ghostbuster]

That future configuration could work. I have a feeling we're in for a long wait to see what they plan to do with Exit 178.

[Bitmapped]

But a new Y interchange with I-80 will cost some serious money.

Actually, I bet it costs less - possibly much less - than the current Exit 161 reconstruction. Yes, you still have the bridges and flyovers (unless they go with a trumpet, which seems unlikely) but it's a lot less complex overall.

I doubt the eastern I-80/I-99 interchange becomes a high-speed Y. There's little traffic to/from the east on I-80 as most traffic going that way would just take I-180, US 15, or PA 880 east of here already. A lot of traffic also uses PA 64 between I-80 and US 220 now as it's shorter. There is not the same level of importance as the western interchange.

I agree it's less important than Exit 161, but I do think a Y-interchange could be justified. An Interstate-speed connection would make the PA 64 shortcut largely obsolete for long-distance traffic (especially NB), and there's more traffic to/from the east than you might think as that is the fastest route to Lock Haven (which has a university campus), the PA 120 corridor, and a good portion of the Bald Eagle valley.

Traffic to Williamsport takes this route. 64 is becoming more crowded and it seems 220 is more heavily used. This is all based on my observations since I live in the area.

I don't think people take Exit 210 or 212 from 80 going east.

Traffic between Williamsport and I-80 east isn't driving 50 miles out of the way to come over to US 220 and then go back east. They're taking US 15 or I-180. US 220 is also out of the way for really anything east of McElhattan.

Lock Haven/Mill Hall would be taking US 220 to I-80 east, but we're talking like 20 thousand people in that area. Commonwealth University/Lock Haven University of PA is small (~2500 students). PA 120 is not a through traffic corridor (1500 VPD heading out of Lock Haven, dropping to 300 VPD past Renovo).

[74/171FAN]

I drove by the 220 north interchange today. I noticed they put up new signage on I-80 east (still wrapped) behind the current US 220 exit signage. "To I-99 North" perhaps?

As of this afternoon, there are covered up signs on US 220 NB at US 15 behind the current ones, no signage from I-180 WB put up yet though.