Project Overview
County: Luzerne County
Municipality: West Hazleton Borough
Route: Interstate 81, Section 361 Northbound
Project Type: Structure Replacement
Proposed Start: Summer 2026
The project consists of the replacement of the Interstate 81, Section 361, northbound bridge over Norfolk Southern Railroad (NSRR) and Black Creek in West Hazleton Borough, Luzerne County, PA. The existing structure is a steel I-beam bridge with overall structure length of 468'. The existing structure has components in poor condition and does not meet current design standards.
The I-81, Section 361 NB bridge will be replaced with a wider structure that provides the required lane and shoulder widths and maintains two-lanes of traffic during all stages of traffic control. The vertical alignment of the bridge will be raised to accommodate the new structure depth and to meet the Norfolk Southern Railroad requested under clearance of 23'-6".The project also includes construction of stormwater management facilities and associated maintenance access roads in the southeast, southwest, and northwest quadrants surrounding the bridge.
The purpose of the project is to provide a sustainable travel way/crossing which meets current design standards, to provide a safe and efficient highway system for motorists.
It is anticipated that construction will begin in the summer of 2026.
Public Meeting and Plans Display
Public plans display and project presentation will take place at:
Time: 4:30 – 6:00 PM (Plans Display), 6:00 PM (Presentation at the West Hazleton Borough Council Meeting)
Date: April 9, 2024
Location: West Hazleton Borough Building, 100 South Fourth Street, West Hazleton, PA 18202.
The Purpose of the plans display is to introduce the project, display and describe how traffic will be maintained during construction, and receive public input regarding the proposed improvements. Project information flyers and comments forms will be available at the Township office and on the project webpage.
The project plans will remain on display at the West Hazleton Borough Building until April 23, 2024.
The information provided during the in-person display (display boards, project information sheet, and public comment form) can be accessed virtually by clicking the links under the "Resources" section in the upper right side of this webpage.
The deadline for submitting comments is May 9, 2024.
Traffic Control
Detour
During construction, Short-term overnight closures of I-81 NB from 8:00 PM to 5:00 AM will be required. Traffic will be detoured using SR 0924 (CANDO Expressway) and SR 0093 (East Broad Street/North Broad Street/Susquehanna Boulevard). The detour is approximately 6.0 miles in length through Hazle Township, the City of Hazleton, West Hazleton Borough, and Sugarloaf Township.
Temporary short-term on-street parking restrictions will be required along the north side of East Broad Street between Diamond Avenue and N 2nd Street, in the City of Hazleton, during the detour (noted above) to facilitate left truck turning movements from SR 0924 onto East Broad Street.
The detour maps can be accessed virtually by clicking on the Plans Display Link under the "Resources" section of the upper right side of this webpage.
Contact Information
Johnson, Mirmiran & Thompson, Inc. (JMT)
Designer
Kelley Sartori, P.E.
Project Contact
(570) 335-9244
c-kesartor@pa.gov.
Title VI
Pursuant to 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.
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.