LANCASTER COUNTY, Pa. — PennDOT crews began their work of demolishing Route 222 south bridge at Route 30 late Friday night as part of the department's Interchange Improvement Project.
With thousands of people expected to hit the road for Mother’s Day on Sunday, drivers can expect delays near the Route 30 and Route 222 interchange.
According to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, more than 100,000 vehicles use the interchange a day.
“They did give us a heads up on this closure, we were able to then share the press release from PennDOT without volunteers and truck drivers who have pre-registered just in case anybody is coming from the eastern or southern parts of Lancaster County,” said Terry Finch.
Finch is the chairperson of the Mother’s Day Truck Convoy, an annual event organized by the Make-A-Wish Philadelphia, Delaware & Susquehanna Valley chapter.
The event brings in independent drivers and trucking companies from across the Commonwealth for the popular fundraiser and has been doing so for more than 30 years.
The money raised helps the nonprofit grant the wishes of sick children.
But Finch says it might take some drivers longer to arrive at the convoy starting point due to the closures.
“I think all the drivers and volunteers appreciated the heads up and I think they’re all prepared to be there on Sunday.”
Drivers are encouraged to plan alternative routes accordingly, especially when traveling to graduation ceremonies.
FOX43 received a statement from Elizabethtown College regarding its commencement ceremony, saying it tried to keep people who may be impacted as up-to-date as possible about the closures through several methods.
The full statement is as follows:
“The College is aware of the potential impact of the roadwork on our community traveling to our Commencement this Saturday and has been sharing reminders through email, social media, and on our commencement website throughout the week to ensure our attendees allow ample time for travel and can have a positive experience at our ceremony.”
“Definitely plan extra time because I know it will be busy and Mother’s Day is a big travel day,” Finch said.
PennDOT expects the interchange to reopen Monday morning but encourages people to routinely check for traffic updates online.
511PA is readily accessible online and can be downloaded on most smartphones.
People can also sign up for PennDOT news and traffic alerts online for the latest traffic updates.