But hold on. There’s a lot more construction to go for the $18 million project that began last month to make 2.3 miles of Route 51 safer and to prepare it to handle more traffic for the opening in 2001 of the Mon-Fayette Expressway interchange at Route 51.

The project has already seen the closing of the intersection of Old Clairton Road and Route 51 -- expected only until the end of June -- and the four-lane highway reduced to two lanes. This past week, the open lanes were switched from one side of the road to the other. And the size of each lane was reduced to 11 feet, making for slower commuting.

Motorists have reported that rush-hour delays have averaged about 10 minutes.

Five intersections with Route 51 are being constructed or reconstructed. Besides Old Clairton, they are Peters Creek, Coal Valley, Wray Large and Lewis Run roads. A number of structures -- including bridges, culverts and walls -- are being built. And a fifth lane is being added for turning. All of these projects include a lot of excavation and moving of earth, work that could stall traffic at any time.

"The traffic’s flowing well right now," said Tom Carey of the Trumbull Corp., the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission’s construction manager for the project.

But he warned that the work is going to get more difficult and could cause more delays in the future. He also said space for disabled vehicles to pull off will be eliminated, meaning the role of the tow truck driver will become more critical.

"It’s been going quite smooth," said Jefferson Hills police Chief Jack Maple. "Hardly any traffic backups. A few rear-ends, nonreportable accidents. Very minor things. Knock on wood."

Besides help from the police, rush-hour motorists are aided by a ban on contractors not being allowed to stop traffic Monday through Friday from 6 to 8 a.m. and from 4 to 6 p.m.

Tom Fox, a Turnpike Commission spokesman, said traffic has been flowing smoothly so far because of detailed planning and continued communications among Dick Corp., which has the contract for the project, Trumbull Corp., the Turnpike Commission, PennDOT, Jefferson Hills officials and emergency personnel and community groups. He said everyone tries to deal with whatever problem pops up.

One frequent complaint yet to be dealt with is that officers are not on duty to speed traffic up for shoppers on Saturdays or for people going to big events in Pittsburgh, such as baseball games.