Preparations are underway for the demolition of the closed ramp from northbound Interstate 81 to westbound Route 22/322. The ramp has been closed since May 9 when a fiery tanker crash severely damaged it.
Engineers and construction personnel are currently taking samples of the concrete deck and steel girders that form the superstructure of the ramp. These samples are being sent to laboratories for analysis to help determine PennDOT’s next steps.
Although PennDOT has already concluded that the deck of the ramp must be replaced, it has not yet determined if the superstructure must be replaced as well or what type of repairs may be necessary. Demolition of the deck is anticipated to begin within the next several days.
PennDOT will also analyze the extent of damage to the bridge piers that carried the eastbound Route 22 bridge over I-81.
On Tuesday, PennDOT received news that the U.S. Department of Transportation announced the quick release of $2 million in emergency relief funds to help pay for the efforts over the past week to reopen I-81.
Update from PennDOT on I-81 Exit 67: You may be interested in viewing a time-lapsed video account of the demolition of the eastbound Route 22 bridge over I-81 from between Friday, May 10, and Monday, May 13. Just click on the links below. There are two videos, taken from separate angles by two of our highway traffic cameras: