PennDOT Reviewing Data as Wrong-Way Crashes Rise on Pittsburgh-Area Highways

State transportation officials are investigating a recent spike in dangerous wrong-way driving incidents across the region.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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In just February 2026 alone, there have been four wrong-way crashes on highways around the Pittsburgh region, including a head-on collision between an SUV and a tractor-trailer on Interstate 70 that caused a fire. PennDOT is now reviewing data from a state reporting system to better understand the causes and design potential infrastructure improvements to enhance safety, though officials note that changes take significant planning and implementation time.

Why it matters

Wrong-way crashes on highways are among the most dangerous types of accidents, often resulting in head-on collisions that can be fatal. The recent spike in these incidents in the Pittsburgh area has raised concerns about driver behavior and roadway design, prompting PennDOT to investigate further and consider safety upgrades.

The details

According to state police, the latest wrong-way crash occurred on Tuesday when an SUV traveling in the wrong direction on I-70 collided head-on with a tractor-trailer, causing a fire. This follows other recent wrong-way incidents on the Parkway West, the Fort Duquesne Bridge, and I-79. PennDOT traffic engineer Stephanie Zolnak said the agency will analyze data from a state reporting system to better understand the causes and design potential infrastructure improvements, though she noted that making changes is not an overnight process and can take years of planning, funding, and installation.

  • In just February 2026 alone, there have been four wrong-way crashes on highways around the Pittsburgh region.
  • The latest wrong-way crash occurred on Tuesday morning.

The players

PennDOT

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, the state agency responsible for maintaining and improving the Commonwealth's transportation infrastructure.

Stephanie Zolnak

A PennDOT District 11 traffic engineer who is overseeing the agency's investigation into the recent spike in wrong-way crashes.

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What they’re saying

“We can look into the details all the way down to the police report to get real good information to design improvements or at the very least be understanding of what's going on on our roadways.”

— Stephanie Zolnak, PennDOT District 11 Traffic Engineer

“Not only to find out that we want to have some kind of improvement but to plan, receive the safety funds, and design that infrastructure.”

— Stephanie Zolnak, PennDOT District 11 Traffic Engineer

“So much information to digest. We just really want drivers to be looking for appropriate safe driving habits on our roadways.”

— Stephanie Zolnak, PennDOT District 11 Traffic Engineer

What’s next

PennDOT said they are currently working on improving safety at the I-79, Route 910 interchange, and have plans for working on the Parkway East corridor.

The takeaway

The recent spike in dangerous wrong-way crashes on Pittsburgh-area highways has prompted PennDOT to closely examine the data and consider potential infrastructure upgrades, though any changes will require significant planning and implementation time. In the meantime, the agency is urging drivers to remain vigilant and practice safe driving habits to help prevent these types of life-threatening collisions.