The project is made possible by Resurface PA, the Wolf Administration's new statewide initiative to accelerate repaving work on interstates and attack potholes across Pennsylvania.
“This past spring PennDOT received many inquiries about when this section of I-81 would get resurfaced, as it is riddled with potholes” said Governor Wolf. “I am glad to say the resurfacing is starting next week.”
The project includes milling, patching, and paving of I-81 between Exit 131 (PA 54) and the Luzerne County Line. The project also includes new pavement markings and guiderail upgrades. This section of road has an average daily traffic volume of 13,470 vehicles northbound and 13,808 vehicles southbound.
Under this improvement project, the contractor will mill off the existing roadway surface and repave the highway with new asphalt. The new pavement will seal the roadway and provide motorists with a smoother riding surface.
Starting August 19 and lasting until November, motorists should be alert for lane restrictions on northbound I-81 between 7:00 PM Sundays and 12:00 PM Thursdays.
The contractor plans to work similar times on southbound I-81 in the 2019 construction season. Updates will be provided whenever schedules change.
New Enterprise Stone & Lime Co., Inc. of New Enterprise, PA is the general contractor on the $15,655,985 project, which is expected to be complete in July 2019.
Other PennDOT District 5 resurfacing projects made possible by Resurface PA include:
• Interstate 78 between Exit 16 (Midway) and Exit 29 (PA 61) in Berks County;
• Interstate 80 between Luzerne and Monroe counties in Carbon County;
• Interstate 80 between Exit 284 (PA 115) and Exit 293 (I-380) in Monroe County;
• Interstate 81 between Exit 104 (PA 125) and Exit 112 (PA 25) in Schuylkill County;
• Interstate 81 between Exit 119 (Highridge Park Road) and Exit 124 (PA 61) in Schuylkill County;
• Interstate 380 between Exit 1 (Interstate 80) and Exit 3 (PA 940) in Monroe County.