I-81 North- Single Lane from Exit 191B (Scranton Expressway) to Exit 194 (Clarks Summit)- Starting July 16th

Posted on Monday July 14, 2014

Beginning on Wednesday, July 16 at 6 a.m., Interstate 81 North will be in a single lane pattern between Exit 191B (Scranton Expressway) and Exit 194 (Clarks Summit).  This single lane pattern will be in place until the end of July.

Because the contractor will be completely removing all the asphalt, down to the concrete base, it will require a continual single lane pattern for two weeks.  It will not be possible to reopen the road during the day, as we would normally due in an area like this, because the lane that is under construction is being completely removed.

This work is part of an ongoing $35 million project to complete three deck replacements on bridges over Main Avenue, Olyphant Avenue and the Lackawanna River as well as removing a large section of the rock cut wall, just north of Exit 191B.

Because this road improvement project requires a 24/7 lane closure in one of the most highly traveled areas in the region, major delays will occur.

Motorists should utilize I-476 (Turnpike/toll) between Pittston and Clarks Summit to avoid the delays.  While other options, such as the Central Scranton Expressway are available, it is expected that these sideroads will become very congested as well.

Motorists can check conditions on major roadways by visiting www.511PA.com. 511PA, which is free and available 24 hours a day, provides traffic delay warnings, weather forecasts, traffic speed information and access to more than 700 traffic cameras. 511PA is also available through a smartphone application for iPhone and Android devices, by calling 5-1-1, or by following regional Twitter alerts accessible on the 511PA website.

The initial closure date/time is weather permitting, as the contractor will need to paint new lines on the road to initiate the crossover and closure.