Turner Construction Company has commenced vertical construction on the $900m expansion at Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania.

Steel erection is underway for the 11-storey, 600,000ft2 patient tower after a period of planning and foundational works.

The development, which began in June 2024, will increase bed capacity from 356 to 500, expand the number of operating rooms from 12 to 18, and enlarge the emergency department. It aims to provide all private patient rooms.

Turner stated that the tower, representing the first phase of the project, is expected to open in the first quarter of 2028 and will incorporate more steel than the Eiffel Tower upon completion.

Additional renovations throughout other parts of the medical centre are planned to continue through 2030.

Turner vice president and senior general manager David Kaminski said: “This milestone marks an important step forward in delivering expanded, modern healthcare access for families across Northeastern Pennsylvania.

“We are proud to partner with Geisinger on a transformational project that will enhance patient care, support caregivers, and strengthen this community for decades to come.”

Turner expects the project to create up to 3,800 construction jobs and generate around $1bn in local economic impact.

On-site workforce numbers are projected to rise from 150 to a peak of 450 workers during peak construction periods. Geisinger intends to recruit an additional 400 employees after completion.

Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center originally opened in 1981 and has undergone several expansions over time.

The current project is designed to add clinical capabilities comparable to those found at academic medical centres in larger cities.