I-81 Culvert Rehabilitation in Penn Township

County: Cumberland County
Municipality: Penn Township
State Route: Route 81-096
Local Name: I-81 Culvert Rehabilitation in Penn Township, PA
Project Type: Culvert Rehabilitation
Proposed Construction Start: Spring 2026
Proposed Construction End: Fall 2026
Last Updated: March 2025

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) invites the public to an online plans display regarding the Interstate 81 culvert rehabilitation. The purpose of this project is to address the poor condition of the culvert and provide continued and efficient crossing of I-81 over the unnamed tributary to Mount Rock Spring Creek in Penn Township, Cumberland County.

The project consists of rehabilitation of the existing metal plate pipe-arch culvert. The proposed culvert will accommodate two 12-foot lanes with 10-foot outside shoulders and 6-foot inside shoulders. T-343 (Farm Road), which is adjacent to the culvert, will be closed for approximately six (6) months to all traffic during the construction. The proposed detour route will use Route 174 to T-346 (Smith Road). Two (2) lanes of traffic on I-81 will be maintained in each direction during the construction.  

The project is currently in design and construction work is expected to take place in the 2026 construction season.

A plans display will be held online only. A digital version of the information will be available to view online from April 11, 2025, to May 11, 2025.

Project Information

The Interstate 81 culvert rehabilitation project is located between mile marker 35 and 36 in Penn Township, Cumberland County.

The purpose of the project is to address the deteriorating condition of the culvert and provide a sustainable crossing of I-81 in Penn Township, Cumberland County.

The project consists of rehabilitating the existing metal plate pipe-arch culvert by adding slip lining to the existing culvert. This involves installing a smaller sized culvert inside the existing culvert and grouting the space between them. Work on the approach roadways is not anticipated.

Environmental

The project is located in a rural area in Penn Township with rolling terrain. The culvert carries an unnamed tributary to Mount Rock Spring Creek under I-81. Adjacent land uses include farmland, grass lawns, and roadside vegetation, including mowed grass and brush. Environmental studies for the project include threatened and endangered species surveys, and determination of impacts to cultural resources and historical properties.

No impacts to threatened and endangered species were identified. No cultural resources or historical property surveys are required.

Utilities

There are existing aerial utilities located within the project limits. The existing aerial utilities are present along T-343 (Farm Rd) and cross over I-81 north of the existing culvert location. Impacts to the existing aerial utilities are not anticipated. Coordination with utility owners will continue as the design progresses.

Right-of-Way

No permanent right-of-way acquisitions are anticipated for this project. A temporary construction easement is anticipated to provide access to the downstream end of the culvert.

Maintenance and Protection of Traffic

Two (2) lanes of traffic on Route 0081 will be maintained in each direction during the construction. Farm Road will be closed for approximately six (6) months to all traffic during the construction. The proposed detour route will use Route 0174 to T-346 (Smith Road). The approximate travel time for those using the detour is five (5) minutes. Please refer to the project’s Detour Plan graphic.

Schedule and Cost

It is currently anticipated that this project will be advertised in the winter of 2025 with construction occurring in the 2026 construction season. Overall construction is anticipated to last six (6) months with an estimated construction cost of $860,000.