Category: News

Last week, crews completed the final paving of Interstate 81 North near the Pittston Exit.  This was the last major disruption to traffic as a result of the replacement of four interstate bridges near Exit 175 (Dupont/Pittston).  But this was also one of the most significant steps in a decade of bridge replacements on I-81 in northern Luzerne and southern Lackawanna Counties.  In each case, an old 2-lane bridge was replaced with a new 3-lane bridge.  Replacing a 2-lane bridge with a 3-lane bridge not only allows future maintenance to be performed without taking the interstate down to a single lane, but it is also a necessary prerequisite … Continue reading →

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), and Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) are encouraging motorists to take advantage of safety seat check resources across the state as the agencies mark National Child Passenger Safety Week from September 17 through September 23. Additionally, Saturday, September 23, has been designated as “National Seat Check Saturday.” To advance their public-safety missions, the agencies invest in community resources across the state. PennDOT funds resources such as training and educational materials for more than 170 fitting stations across Pennsylvania. The PSP checked more than 1,780 seats last year and found  more than 870 misuses by drivers. The checkups are designed to teach proper installation … Continue reading →

The Wolf Administration is seeking motorists’ input on highway safety, traffic safety enforcement, and driving behaviors through an annual online survey located on PennDOT’s website and Facebook page. “Safety is our top priority and we value continued public engagement in making our roadways safer,” said PennDOT Secretary Leslie S. Richards. “The results help us gauge public knowledge and attitudes on highway safety, and potentially allow us to adjust our safety activities so we can further reduce crashes and fatalities.” The brief survey will be available until September 27 and focuses on highway safety issues such as seat belts, impaired driving, speeding, motorcycles, and distracted driving. People completing the … Continue reading →

The Wolf Administration is encouraging the public to visit the “Historic Holiday Traffic” page at www.511PA.com so they can plan optimal travel times on major roadways across the state for the Labor Day holiday. “This is another great opportunity to put our traffic information tools into action for the public,” Governor Tom Wolf said. “Providing this real-time information allows travelers to choose the route that best works for them as they explore Pennsylvania’s many tourism attractions this holiday weekend.” The site, which is compatible with mobile devices, allows users to see how traffic speeds on the Friday before and day of Labor Day in 2015 and 2016 compare … Continue reading →

If you have maintenance concerns on a state-maintained highway, such as potholes or a dead deer, call I-800-FIX-ROAD or visit https://customercare.penndot.gov/.

On August 12 and 13, 2017, there will be major issues on Interstate 81 near Exit 182- Davis Street and Montage Mountain Rd, Moosic.  The Peach Music Festival, a four-day music festival, will be held at Montage Mountain from August 10-13.  In addition, the Northeast Pennsylvania Air Show will be held on August 12 and 13 at the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport at Exit 178.  In addition to traffic issues on Interstate 81, the Northeast Extension of the Pennsylvania Turnpike will be closed between exits 115 and 131 for safety reasons. Scheduled closures are from 12:15 p.m. to 1:45 p.m. Aug. 11, and from 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. … Continue reading →

The Wolf Administration, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), the Pennsylvania State Police (PSP), and local police urge travelers across the state to designate a sober driver and buckle their seat belts through the Independence Day holiday weekend. Partnerships throughout the state look to decrease alcohol and drug-related crashes and fatalities, as well as aggressive driving behavior. “PennDOT is working closely with our partners in law enforcement to reduce impaired driving and raise safety awareness this holiday,” Secretary Leslie S. Richards said. “Though Independence Day is a time for celebration, we urge Pennsylvanians to designate a sober driver and wear their seat belt throughout the coming weekend, and … Continue reading →

Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) today launched a video to assist Pennsylvanians in navigating roundabouts. The video instructs viewers how to use both single and multi-lane roundabouts whether in a vehicle, on a bicycle or on foot. The video can be accessed by visiting the roundabout page on www.penndot.gov or by visiting the department’s YouTube channel. “Data shows that modern-day roundabouts reduce crash severity and injuries while improving traffic flow,” said PennDOT Secretary Leslie S. Richards. “This video illustrates how to navigate these intersections regardless of how you travel.” A modern roundabout is a type of circular intersection where traffic flows continuously in a … Continue reading →

PennDOT Announces a Condensed, Comprehensive & Consolidated Summer Maintenance Plan for Interstate 81 in Lackawanna County Motorists should avoid the area from May 1 to May 20 if possible.    During the first three weeks in May, PennDOT will conduct extensive maintenance on Interstate 81 in Lackawanna County.  In order to improve travel for motorists during the busy summer travel season between Memorial Day and Labor Day, the department will consolidate numerous projects into a condensed 3-week timeframe in May on this section of highway.  While this will allow for much better travel over the summer months, it will create major delays on the interstate during the first … Continue reading →

With snow already visiting some areas of Pennsylvania, PennDOT Secretary Leslie S. Richards today outlined the agency’s plans for winter services and encouraged drivers to be prepared as well. “Our residents count on PennDOT to keep them moving regardless of the weather and we take that mission very seriously,” Richards said during a news conference at the PennDOT maintenance facility in Norristown, Montgomery County. “We have our materials and equipment in place and our staff of dedicated equipment operators, district-level staff and staff in Maintenance and Operations are ready to go.” This winter, all of the more than 2,200 PennDOT-owned and rented plow trucks will be equipped with … Continue reading →