CLEARFIELD — The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) announced today that it reduced the speed limit on a stretch of the Buffalo Pittsburgh Highway (Route 219) in Lafayette Township, McKean County, to 45 miles per hour.

This reduction will enhance safety through an ongoing bridge preservation work zone. A radar-controlled speed display board placed on Route 219 this week will be apparent to drivers traveling north into the work zone, reminding drivers to obey the posted speed limit.

Preservation work on the Staff Sergeant Carl Enis Memorial Bridge, which spans Kinzua Creek approximately three miles south of the intersection with Route 59, started April 22. The contractor is maintaining two open lanes while completing this work. However, the contractor has reduced the width of these lanes to accommodate construction crews.

The radar-controlled speed display board will remain in this location until project completion, which PennDOT anticipates in July. PennDOT urges drivers to obey the posted speed limit in this and all work zones and always buckle up.

Speeding and other aggressive driving behaviors are among the leading causes of Pennsylvania crashes and fatalities. Other aggressive driving behaviors include running stop signs or red lights, passing illegally, and tailgating. PennDOT listed aggressive driving behaviors as a factor in 39 percent of crashes in McKean County in 2023.

Glenn O. Hawbaker, Inc. of State College, PA, is the contractor on the $2.4 million project.