Project Status
Step 1:
Development
Step 2:
Design
Step 3:
Construction
Step 4:
Completed
Project Overview
County: Luzerne
Municipality: Hazle Township
State Route: Route 424 and Interstate 81, Exit 141
Local Name: Greater Hazleton Chamber of Commerce Beltway
Project Type: Interchange Improvement
Construction Start: 2024
Proposed Construction End: 2030
Last Updated: January 2025
The purpose of the project is to develop an appropriate transportation solution for the interchange at Route 424 and I-81, Exit 141 (Greater Hazleton Chamber of Commerce Beltway), to address current and future transportation needs by upgrading from the current diamond interchange to a Diverging Diamond Interchange (DDI). The DDI will utilize the existing bridges over I-81 to carry the westbound traffic and require two new bridges over I-81 to accommodate the eastbound traffic.
A DDI is an interchange design that simplifies interchange movements by eliminating left turns across oncoming traffic. Benefits of a DDI include reduced conflict points and improved sight distance at turns, while also creating operational efficiencies such as improving mobility and decreased congestion at the end of ramps and across the bridge.
Construction of this transportation facility will improve operations and mobility and include design elements of a modern interchange to address congestion deficiencies caused by local and regional traffic growth. Additional benefits include mitigation of level of service deficiencies at the existing interchange ramp junctions and across the existing bridge.
Public Outreach
Public Meeting
PennDOT held a public meeting on November 14, 2024, to introduce the Route 424 at Interstate 81 (I-81) project, located in Hazle Township, Luzerne County. The meeting featured a presentation from PennDOT Engineering District 4 and project team representatives, project area design maps displayed for review, and open discussion to provide feedback.
Contact Information
Amy Lolli
Project Manager
570-614-2958
amlolli@pa.gov
Jessica Ruddy
Press Officer
570-963-4044
jeruddy@pa.gov
Accessibility
The project documents can be made available in alternative languages or formats if requested. If you need translation or interpretation services, have special needs, or have concerns that require individual attention, please contact the PennDOT Project Manager listed above.
Title VI
Pursuant to the Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, PennDOT does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, age, or disability. If you feel that you have been denied the benefits of, or participation in a PennDOT program or activity, you may contact the PennDOT, Bureau of Equal Opportunity, DBE/Title VI Division at 717-787-5891.