Route 115 over Interstate 81 Bridge Replacement
Project Overview
The Route 115 over Interstate 81 bridge replacement project consists of the replacement of the three existing bridges within the Interstate 81 and Route 115 interchange, the re-alignment of Route 115/309 Southbound and Route 8015 Ramps E, H, and K; and the construction of a new ramp (E-spur) to provide a connection from Route 115/309 Northbound to Interstate 81 Southbound. Route 115/309 Southbound will be re-aligned adjacent to the Northbound alignment and the old Southbound alignment will be used for a portion of the Ramp E-spur alignment. In addition to the bridge replacements and retaining wall construction, roadway work consists of the reconstruction of Route 115/309 and the Route 8015 Interchange Ramps to accommodate grade and alignment changes.
New ITS, guide rail, drainage, pavement markings, signing, sign structures and sign lighting, highway lighting, delineators, and other miscellaneous construction will also be provided throughout the project limits. Excavation, treatment, and disposal of acid producing rock (APR) encountered within the project limits during normal excavation is anticipated.
Traffic Control
PennDOT anticipates that two lanes of traffic will be maintained in each direction along Interstate 81 and Route 115 for the duration of construction. There will be times when traffic is restricted to one lane or may be shifted to the roadway shoulders, though scheduled night-time construction should help to alleviate traffic impacts when travel lanes are restricted/shifted. During critical stages of construction, the ramps from Route 115 northbound to Interstate 81 northbound and from Interstate 81 southbound to Interstate 115 southbound will each be closed. The detour route will use Exit 2, Wilkes Barre Boulevard. Construction is anticipated to last approximately 3 years, concluding in late-2027.