The reopening date for the Parkway North/Interstate 279 High Occupancy Vehicle lane now depends on the weather, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation said yesterday.

The contractor for the $11.2 million preventive maintenance project needs to paint new traffic lines and install pavement markers on the HOV facility that runs through the city's East Street Valley.

"We're confident we can get this done later this week if the weather cooperates," PennDOT District 11 spokesman Jim Struzzi said. "If all goes well, the HOV will reopen next week."

Once the work is completed and PennDOT agrees upon a date, Mr. Struzzi said he would issue an announcement.