A project to repair a stretch of Interstate 81 in Dunmore could significantly affect travel on three highways for up to two months.
As part of the $5.2 million I-81 Pavement Preservation Project, contractors on Monday will begin repaving, concrete patching and crack sealing at the interchange of Interstate 81 north and the Casey Highway westbound, said state Department of Transportation spokesman Mike Taluto.
Deemed necessary because of the deteriorating condition of the road, the project will require closing the ramp connecting the Casey Highway west to I-81 north, as well as the ramp linking the Casey Highway to Route 347 (Dunmore/Throop) and the ramp from Interstate 84 west to Route 347.
The project encompasses the first phase of the preservation project along I-81 north.
"It's being closed in some very heavily traveled areas, so there is no doubt it could have a significant impact on traffic," PennDOT spokesman James May said. "The biggest one will be the closure of the connection between the Casey and I-81, because that sees the most traffic."
Drivers traveling west on the Casey Highway will be advised to exit via the Tigue Street Exit off I-84. Then, Mr. May said, Tigue Street will "loop" drivers "back around, and then take" them up to Interstate 81 north.
Meanwhile, motorists planning to get to Dunmore via the Casey Highway west should take Marshwood Road in Throop, as should drivers who are heading to Dunmore from I-84, Mr. May said.
While all commuters will be affected by the closures, it will significantly impact drivers coming from the Midvalley, including Mayfield residents, Mayor Al Chelik said.
Upon hearing the news, Mr. Chelik said he hoped PennDOT has "some ideas about traffic control," especially in the morning and evening rush hours.
He said the smaller streets such as Tigue Street and Marshwood Road aren't equipped to handle a heavy flow of traffic, and that PennDOT should consider installing temporary traffic signals to ease the congestion.
"I hope they have a good reason to do this, because this is going to cause a lot of frustration among drivers," Mr. Chelik said. "Look at the congestion already around the Viewmont Mall because of the ongoing project there. It will only get worse now."
Mr. May said message boards advising motorists of the road closures will be placed along the Casey Highway, I-84 and I-81 this afternoon.
Once construction work on this section is complete, contractors will begin work on Phase 2. PennDOT officials Monday couldn't provide details as to what that phase included.
"Obviously, this will be an inconvenience to drivers, but this is all a part of a plan to renovate and rehabilitate the state's roadways," Mr. Taluto said. "Understanding how important these connections are to the commuters, we will try to complete this project as quickly as possible."
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