Sep 2, 2026 - Transit

New turnpike exit coming to Westmoreland County

Ryan Deto

Map excerpt shows Project Location MP 80.8 along the I-70/I-76 corridor near Carpentertown, with a blue label and point marker at the State Route 981 Interchange. — Where the new interchange will go in Mt. Pleasant Township, at the intersection of Route 981. Image: Courtesy of Turnpike Commission

The Pennsylvania Turnpike is getting a new exit and interchange in Westmoreland County, the Turnpike Commission announced last month.

Why it matters: Townships like Mt. Pleasant, Unity and Derry in the county are growing, and adding a connection to the turnpike is critical to boost that area's momentum, said PennDOT secretary Mike Carroll.

Zoom in: A diamond-style interchange will be built where the toll road meets Route 981 in Mt. Pleasant Township.

That's at the turnpike's mile marker 80.8.
It will be about 15 minutes south of the Arnold Palmer Regional Airport near Latrobe.

Zoom out: The new interchange will sit between the New Stanton and Donegal exits, adding an entrance/exit to this 16-mile gap.

By the numbers: The project will cost between $45 million and $50 million, per the Turnpike Commission.

Tens of millions of dollars have already been committed to this project, Pennsylvania Senate President Pro Tempore Kim Ward said.

What they're saying: The interchange will create easier access to the turnpike for many nearby communities and help businesses and freight companies save money on logistics by opening up use of the Arnold Palmer Airport instead of driving to Pittsburgh, Ward said.

Between the lines: The new interchange is feasible because of open road tolling, which avoids moving cars through traditional toll booths, per a press release.

What's next: The Turnpike Commission estimates a 2031 completion date, spokesperson Marissa Orbanek tells Axios.

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New turnpike exit coming to Westmoreland County

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