PENNDOT announced that starting Monday, May 5th new traffic patterns would be put in place to start the project on the structurally deficient "Madys" bridges (one over Reading Blue Mountain & Northern Railroad in the City of Pottsville and Palo Alto Borough, and the other over the Schuylkill River in the City of Pottsville).
According to PENNDOT, Beginning on May 5, there will be a long-term lane restriction on PA 61 south throughout the project limits. Northbound PA 61 will remain two lanes . Also, traffic on PA 61 both north and southbound will be restricted from making left hand turns onto US 209/ Mauch Chuck Street.
A temporary traffic signal will also be activated on Monday at the intersection of PA 61 and Bacon Street (this signal will be removed at the completion of the project).
Motorists should delays and are advised to allow for extra time and use caution when traveling through the area (the project limits are between Bacon Street and US 209/Mauch Chunk Street). Work includes replacing both bridges, reconstructing roadway approaches, installing new guiderail and line paint, and other miscellaneous construction.