Turner Construction has begun vertical construction on Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center’s $900 million expansion in Wilkes-Barre, Pa., moving the project from early sitework to the 11-story patient tower that will anchor a broader campus modernization. | Photo Credit: Turner Construction
What You Need to Know
- Steel is rising on an 11-story, 600,000-square-foot patient tower at Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center in Wilkes-Barre, Pa.
- The project is part of an almost $900 million campus expansion and renovation launched with a June 2024 groundbreaking.
- Planned upgrades include 100% private rooms, added inpatient beds, expanded emergency and trauma capacity, additional ICU beds, and new operating rooms.
- The facility is expected to open in the first quarter of 2028; renovations elsewhere on campus are expected to continue through 2030.
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WILKES-BARRE, Pa. — Turner Construction has begun vertical construction on Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center’s $900 million expansion in Wilkes-Barre, Pa., moving the project from early sitework to the 11-story patient tower that will anchor a broader campus modernization.
The work follows a June 2024 groundbreaking for what Geisinger described as an almost $900 million expansion and renovation designed to nearly double the hospital’s size and expand clinical capacity across emergency, surgical, critical care and cardiovascular services.
In a March 11 update, Turner said steel is now rising on the 600,000-square-foot tower after years of planning and foundation work. Turner said the tower will increase the medical center from 356 beds to 500 beds, expand operating rooms from 12 to 18, enlarge the emergency department and support a transition to private patient rooms.
“This milestone marks an important step forward in delivering expanded, modern healthcare access for families across Northeastern Pennsylvania,” said David Kaminski, vice president and senior general manager at Turner, in a statement. “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 said the effort is expected to support up to 3,800 construction jobs and generate about $1 billion in local economic impact, with the onsite workforce anticipated to grow from about 150 to as many as 450 workers at peak activity. Turner also said Geisinger plans to hire 400 additional employees after completion.
Geisinger’s June 13, 2024, news release framed the investment around capacity growth and the patient experience, including a planned shift to 100% private rooms.
“Growing to meet the needs of northeastern Pennsylvanians is driven by our focus to make better health easier for the communities we serve,” said Terry Gilliland, M.D., Geisinger’s President and CEO, in a statement. “No one should have to leave this area for the care they need, and we can ensure that by investing in advanced facilities, programs and technology right here in Luzerne County.”
In addition to private rooms, Geisinger said the Wyoming Valley upgrades will add 58 medical/surgical inpatient beds and 24 ICU beds, along with 22 new emergency treatment rooms and dedicated emergency room space for behavioral health patients. The project will also include expanded trauma capabilities, six new operating rooms, replacement cardiac catheterization labs and two new structural heart rooms, plus expanded clinic space and cardiac imaging.
Geisinger said the first phase—covering the bed tower and an adjacent base that expands and renovates the emergency department—is expected to be completed in 2028, with renovations to other hospital areas continuing through 2030. Turner said the facility is expected to open in the first quarter of 2028.
This article is based on information published by Turner Construction Company (March 11, 2026) and Geisinger (June 13, 2024).