I-81 Susquehanna Bridges Project

County: Susquehanna
State Route: Interstate 81
Local Name: I-81 Susquehanna Bridges Project
Project Type: Bridge and Pavement Replacement, Drainage System Replacement
Design and Construction Cost: $529.9 million
Start of Construction: July 2023
Anticipated Bridge Completion: Summer 2028
Designer: Michael Baker International
Last Updated: June 2025

The I-81 Susquehanna Bridges Project is a nine-mile stretch of reconstruction and repair work along I-81 from New Milford Borough to the New York border. Work includes the replacement of the dual bridges over the Susquehanna River between Hallstead Borough and Great Bend Borough, which were built in 1961 and rehabilitated in 1979, 1993 and 2006. Combined, the bridges carry about 27,000 vehicles per day, approximately 41 percent of which is truck traffic. The combined daily traffic is expected to more than double by 2045 to around 55,000.

The purpose of the I-81 Susquehanna Bridges Project is to address aging pavement and infrastructure along I-81 including the bridge over the Susquehanna River, and to lengthen on and off ramps to meet current interstate design standards and improve safety.

The project is intended to address the following needs:

• Aging infrastructure. Most of the pavement in the corridor is nearly 60 years old, and the Susquehanna River bridges are approaching the end of their serviceable lifespan.
• Outdated interchange designs. The on and off ramps at the interchanges throughout the corridor do not meet current and future traffic design standards.
  
• Outdated construction methods. All structures on the corridor were constructed with reinforced concrete that contains more chloride ion content than modern standards allow. While safe, this type of reinforced concrete has a shorter lifespan than most reinforced concrete used today.
• Drainage concerns. The storm system built into much of the corridor has exceeded its serviceable lifespan.

The project involves a number of construction activities, including:

• Repaving all roadway in the corridor
• Replacing five dual bridge structures, including the bridges over the Susquehanna River and one overpass structure
• Replacing the drainage system
• Replacing all guiderails, barriers and signage in the corridor
• Construction work on Susquehanna Street, PA-171 and PA-1029 (Randolph Road)

Spring 2025 Updates 

I-81 Susquehanna Bridges Project – Phase 3B

As part of the ongoing I-81 Susquehanna Bridges Project, construction activities transitioned into Phase 3B in March 2025. This phase marks a critical step in the long-term plan to improve safety, traffic flow, and structural integrity along the corridor.

To safely and efficiently carry out this phase, crews initiated nightly lane closures and implemented a short-term closure of the I-81 southbound on-ramp at Exit 230 (SR 8011). These temporary traffic changes are necessary to accommodate construction operations, ensure worker safety, and minimize long-term disruptions for drivers.

Northern Bank – Susquehanna River Bridge Overview

This view from the northern bank of the Susquehanna River captures key elements of the bridge construction. On the left, a trestle and crane support ongoing work over the river. At the center, the newly constructed I-81 southbound bridge stands prominently, while the existing I-81 northbound bridge remains in service to the right. 

Susquehanna Street – Stage 2 Beam Setting Overview (Facing Southeast)

This captures an overview of Stage 2 beam setting operations on Susquehanna Street, viewed from Abutment 2 and facing southeast. Beams are being placed in preparation for the next construction phase prior to the first traffic switch. 

September 2023 I-81 Susquehanna Public Meeting Webinar (PDF)

September 2023 I-81 Public Meeting Presentation (PDF)

June 2023 I-81 Susquehanna Public Meeting Recording

June 2023 I-81 Susquehanna Public Meeting Recording-Spanish

June 2023 I-81 Public Meeting Presentation

June 2023 I-81 Susquehanna Public Meeting Flyer (PDF)