The "hole in the wall" at the West End Circle is scheduled to open to northbound traffic Tuesday, another milestone in PennDOT's $52.6 million project to untangle traffic there.

The opening to northbound traffic is expected about 3 p.m. Southbound traffic has been using the road since July.

The hole was carved through an embankment supporting a Norfolk Southern Railway line, and provides a straight shot from the Route 19/51 West End Bypass to the West End Bridge. Before the project, traffic had to loop around the embankment in a confusing and congested traffic pattern.

Spokesman Jim Struzzi said Tuesday's opening will bring a "significant traffic pattern change" and that drivers making the right turn onto the West End Bridge from West Carson Street will need to be especially cautious because of the new traffic flow through the hole. "Motorists currently do not have to stop when making this right turn and may not be prepared for traffic" heading through the hole to the bridge, he said.

When the hole opens, northbound traffic using it must continue onto the West End Bridge. Those heading for West Carson Street or other West End destinations must exit before the hole.

Work will continue through summer on other West End traffic improvements.

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