PennDOT will remove the last lane restrictions on northbound Route 28 tomorrow afternoon, ending a season of challenges, delays and detours for motorists.

A second lane will open on the new northbound bridge that was built as part of the $22.5 million fourth phase of Route 28 reconstruction, spokesman Jim Struzzi said. That will clear Route 28 of all restrictions for the season except for lane closures near the Butler County line on a separate project.

Occasional lane closures are possible during off-peak hours as part of the preparation for the next project, relocation of Norfolk Southern Railway tracks to create space for reconstruction of the "death stretch" from Chestnut Street on the North Shore to the 40th Street Bridge. That project will get under way soon and includes improvements to the North Shore biking and hiking trail.

Route 28 northbound was closed at Etna on June 8 and traffic detoured to the 62nd Street Bridge, Butler Street and the Highland Park Bridge.

The next phase of work at Etna, the fifth and final, will begin in the spring with reconstruction of ramps and pavement work on northbound Route 28, Mr. Struzzi said.

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