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    I-80 Over Lehigh River Bridge Project

    I-80 over Lehigh River Bridge

    Project Overview

    County: Carbon and Luzerne
    State Route: SR 0080-08B (Interstate 80)
    Local Name: I-80 Over Lehigh River Bridge Project
    Project Type: Bridge Replacement 
    Design and Construction Cost: $148.9 million
    Start of Construction: June 2024
    Anticipated Bridge Completion: Summer 2028
    Designer: Michael Baker International
    Last Updated: June 2025

    View Project History & Funding

    The I-80 bridges over the Lehigh River are eastbound/westbound structures built in 1965 and approaching the end of their serviceable lifespans. These bridges cross over the Lehigh River, Lehigh Gorge State Park, Reading Blue Mountain and Northern Railroad and SR 1005 (River Road) in Carbon and Luzerne Counties. Combined, the bridges carry an average of 27,400 vehicles per day, about 44 percent of which is truck traffic.

    The purpose of the I-80 Over Lehigh River Bridges project is to address the deterioration of the aging bridge structures and provide safe and reliable bridges that will provide connectivity for interstate travelers, commuters, commercial users, emergency services, tourists, and local residents. The project will replace the aging bridges with wider structures; increase the length of the eastbound on-ramp auxiliary lane, the height of the bridges' barriers, and the width of the shoulders to meet current interstate design standards; and improve safety in the corridor.

    Spring 2025 Updates

    PA 940 On-Ramp Closure Supports Critical I-80 Bridge Improvements

    As part of the ongoing I-80 Over Lehigh River Bridge Replacement Project, the closure of the PA 940 on-ramp to Interstate 80 East (Exit 273), which began in April, remains in effect. This temporary closure is a key component of the project’s current construction phase and plays a vital role in supporting safe and efficient progress on the overall bridge and roadway improvements.

    I-80 Lehigh state route 940 Detour Map

    Construction Progress – Piers 1–3, I-80 over Lehigh River

    Ongoing construction of Piers 1, 2, and 3 for the new I-80 bridge over the Lehigh River. Pier 1 is in the early stages with formwork and rebar placement, Pier 2 shows progressed column work, and Pier 3 foundation activity is underway.

    Piers 1–3, I-80 over Lehigh River

    Rebar Cage Lift and Placement – Pier 1, I-80 Lehigh River Project

    Crews have successfully lifted and placed a rebar cage at Pier 1 as part of the I-80 Over Lehigh River Bridge Replacement Project. This key step strengthens the pier’s foundation and prepares it for upcoming concrete work. 

    Rebar Cage Lift and Placement – Pier 1, I-80 Lehigh River Project

    Stay Informed

    To stay informed, share feedback, or be added to the project mailing list, please email PublicInformationOffice@pennbridges.com.