Motorists traveling through Lackawanna County should prepare for possible traffic disruptions as a significant infrastructure upgrade unfolds over the next half-decade. This extensive renovation project, valued at $126 million, targets the intersection of interstates 81 and 84 and ranks as the second most expensive endeavor undertaken by the local Department of Transportation.
The latest construction effort follows a similarly costly $119 million project that enhanced two major bridges on Interstate 84/380 in Dunmore and introduced new exits for Route 435. As District Executive Jonathan Eboli explains, “The sequencing was planned that way,” highlighting the necessity of these improvements due to deteriorating concrete slabs.
With nearly 50,000 vehicles using this corridor daily, the upgrades are essential. The previous record for the most expensive project in the area was set in the 1990s with the $475 million Casey Highway construction.
Traffic Flow Adjustments
PennDOT intends to keep two lanes open in both directions on the interstates during the construction, according to Eboli. However, certain entrance and exit ramps will be temporarily closed, necessitating detours. Project assistant construction engineer John Pivovarnik noted, “Where we can maintain (an open) lane we’re going to maintain, but some ramps are narrow and we’ll have to detour.”
Commencement of Roadwork
Initial work began Monday with tree trimming, requiring a temporary lane closure. Comprehensive road reconstruction is slated to start in April. The first phase involves work on Interstate 81 between the Biden Expressway and Drinker Street interchanges and upgrades on Interstate 84/380 at the I-81/Casey Highway and Route 435 interchanges.
Eboli outlined the project timeline: “The sequencing is really going to be from the Biden Expressway to Drinker Street (first),” with work extending into both directions from 2026 through 2029. Interstate 84 work will commence in 2029 and conclude in 2031.
On I-81 north, the focus will be on pavement preservation, including patching and joint replacement. “So that can happen anytime between 2026 and 2031,” Eboli stated.
The project encompasses ramp work at Drinker and Tigue streets, with closures mainly scheduled overnight.
Structural Enhancements
Beyond road surfaces, the project will address bridges, retaining walls, and barriers. A modern intelligent transportation system will be installed, featuring electronic message boards and additional traffic cameras. Pivovarnik remarked, “We have some cameras, but we’ll have a couple more where we can see a little bit further and monitor traffic.”
To minimize traffic congestion, PennDOT is committed to maintaining two travel lanes throughout the project’s duration. “We could certainly construct this faster, but we would have major backups,” Eboli noted, given the high volume of daily traffic.
The work is being carried out by Cottle’s Asphalt Maintenance of Everett and Kriger Construction of Dickson City.
