A signed detour route has been established for the ramp from northbound Interstate 81 to westbound Route 22/322 in the I-81 Exit 67 just north of Harrisburg that was closed last Thursday morning when a tanker truck overturned and caught fire. The intensity of fire destroyed the concrete deck of the ramp.
The detour directs motorists north on I-81 to Exit 72B (Mountain Road) in Lower Paxton Township, north on Mountain Road for a short distance, and then south on I-81 back to the Exit 67 interchange and the off-ramp to westbound Route 22/322.
Construction crews are expected to soon start demolition of the concrete deck on the ramp. Shielding to protect motorists has been installed underneath the ramp so that debris cannot fall on the interstate roadway below. Replacing the deck may take three months to complete. However, if it is determined that the steel beams cannot be used due to damage from the heat of the fire, the bridge superstructure may need to be replaced. Replacement of the superstructure would take about six months. PennDOT will make an announcement when a determination has been made whether the deck replacement is sufficient or that the superstructure replacement is necessary.