Published August 23. 2017 12:00AM
Gov. Tom Wolf’s administration announced work began Aug. 15 to repair I-78 between the Berks County line to the Northampton County line in Weisenberg, Upper Macungie, Lower Macungie, South Whitehall, Salisbury and Upper Saucon townships, and the City of Allentown.
“I-78 is an important part of the Lehigh Valley’s and Pennsylvania’s transportation network, and making these repairs will benefit tourism, commerce, and the everyday commuter,” Wolf said.
Motorists can expect weeknight (7 p.m.-6 a.m.) lane restrictions and 24-hour lane restrictions on various weekends on I-78 West between Exit 49 (Route 100) and the Berks County line until the end of October.
There will be no restriction on major holiday weekends.
Work will resume next spring, and will take place both east- and westbound. Updates will be provided whenever traffic patterns change.
Motorists are advised to expect delays and use caution traveling through the area.
Work on this section of I-78 includes milling, concrete patching, bituminous patching, overlay, pavement markings, and other miscellaneous construction.
Motorists are reminded to be alert for these operations, to obey work zone signs, and to slow down when approaching and traveling through work zones. These precautions are not only for their safety, but for the safety of the road crews.
J.D. Eckman Inc. of Atglen, is the general contractor on the $7,643,901 project.
Work is expected to be complete in August 2018.
The average daily traffic volume on this section of I-78 ranges from 34,116 to 92,896 vehicles.
For more information on projects occurring or being bid this year, those made possible by or accelerated by the state transportation funding plan (Act 89), or those on the department’s Four and Twelve Year Plans, visitprojects.penndot.gov.
Motorists can check conditions on major roadways by visiting 511PA.com.