YORK, Pa. --- Delays are coming for drivers taking Interstate 83 in York County or Interstate 81 in Cumberland County.
On Monday, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation announced the start of smoothing projects as part of Governor Wolf's "Repaving Pennsylvania" initiative.
The primary goal is to get rid of potholes, concrete crack and other problems on the interstates.
On Interstate 83 for the next two weeks, three on and off ramps York County will go under repairs.
Milling and re-paving will be done at exit 21, 22, and 24 until at least next Wednesday.
From about 8 in the morning until 3 in the afternoon, Gary Ishman, assistant highway manager for York County, said right lanes along I-83 will be periodically closed…
“It’s going to definitely be backed up, we know that. We’re trying our best to relieve that and alleviate it but it just comes with the project,” said Ishman.
Further northwest, Cumberland County gets ready for a longer project on Interstate 81.
“This will go for two months, roughly until the end of August. Hopefully, weather cooperates and we finish up by then,” said Brian Glass, assistant highway manager for Cumberland County.
Crews will start on a five-mile stretch on the northbound lanes between the U.S. 11 and Route 114 exits, as well as southbound lanes near the Wertzville Road exit.
After, the focus will move to southbound lanes between the Route 233 exit and the Cumberland-Franklin County line.
Lane closures are anticipated between 9 in the morning until 2 in the afternoon.
“It’s a no-win situation for PennDOT. We’re out trying to make the road surface smoother for the motoring public but yet, we cause havoc on them by having major delays," said Glass.
PennDOT officials are asking motorists to be mindful of signs, message boards and the construction crews while going through either of the interstate work zones.
“Just be careful, pay attention, slow down. Give yourself a little extra time in the morning to get going and of course, in the afternoon, same thing. Find alternate routes,” said Ishman.
For both projects, PennDOT officials say there will be orange and black detour signs along the construction with some pushing drivers to the next exits.
Along I-83, after the ramps are finished, Ishman said more pothole work will be done on the north and south bound lanes on the interstate, itself.