​Interstate 81, Section 362 Northbound Over West Foothills Drive

Project Overview

The project consists of the replacement of the Interstate 81, Section 362, northbound bridge over West Foothills Drive, in Butler Township, Luzerne County, PA. The existing structure is a concrete spread box beam bridge with an overall structure length of 127'. The existing structure is in poor condition and does not meet current design standards.

The I-81, Section 362 NB bridge will be replaced with a wider structure to provide the required lane and shoulder widths and maintain two lanes of traffic during all stages of traffic control. The project also consists of the construction of a stormwater management facility along the northeast quadrant of I-81 NB/West Foothills Drive.

The purpose of the project is to provide a sustainable travelway/crossing which meets current design standards, to provide a safe and efficient highway system for motorists.

Anticipated Traffic Impacts During Construction include the following:

• I-81 Northbound: Short-term single lane closures for inside and outside shoulder work. Overnight short-term right lane closures to deliver beams for the third stage of construction. 
• I-81 Southbound: Overnight short-term left lane closures to deliver beams to the project for the second stage of construction.
• West Foothills Drive: Short-term and long-term detours will be necessary for full-depth roadway reconstruction as well as bridge demolition and construction.

 
It is anticipated that construction will begin in the spring of 2026 and will be complete by the fall of 2027.

Public Meeting and Plans Display

Public plans display and project presentation will take place at:

• Time: 4:30 – 6:00 PM (Plans Display), 6:00 PM (Presentation at the Butler Township Supervisors Meeting)
• Date: December 12, 2023
• Location: Butler Township Building, 83 Corporate Drive, Drums, PA 18222.

The Purpose of the plans display is to introduce the project, display and describe how traffic will be maintained during construction, and receive public input regarding the proposed improvements. Project information flyers and comment forms will be available at the Township office and on the project webpage.

The project plans will remain on display at the Butler Township until January 5, 2024.

The information provided during the in-person display (display boards, project information sheet, and public comment form) can be accessed virtually by clicking the links under the "Resources" section on the upper right side of this webpage.

The deadline for submitting comments is January 12, 2024.

Traffic Control

During construction, overnight lane closures on the Interstate, as well as short-term and long-term detours on West Foothills Drive are anticipated.

Detour

T-425 (West Foothills Drive):

From Points East of the Bridge: Head west along T-425 (West Foothills Drive) towards T-376 (Short Street). Turn right onto T-376 and travel north 0.1 miles towards SR 3021. Merge onto SR 3021 and continue traveling north 0.3 miles towards County Highway 39 (South Beisels Road). Turn left onto County Highway 39 and continue traveling north 0.6 miles towards T-429 (Butler Drive). Turn left onto T-429 and travel west 1.4 miles towards T-422 (Conyngham-Drums Road). Merge onto T-422 and continue traveling west 0.8 miles towards T-338 (Center Hill Road). Turn left onto T-338 and travel south 0.7 miles towards T-425. Turn right onto T-425 End of detour.

From Points West of the Bridge: Head east along T-425 (West Foothills Drive) towards T-338 (Center Hill Road). Turn left onto T-338 and travel north 0.7 miles towards T-422 (Conyngham-Drums Road). Turn right onto T-422 and travel east 0.8 miles towards T-429 (Butler Drive). Merge onto T-429 and continue traveling east 1.4 miles towards County Highway 39 (South Beisels Road). Turn right onto County Highway 39 and travel south 0.6 miles towards SR 3021. Turn right onto SR 3021 and continue traveling south 0.3 miles towards T-376 (Short Street). Merge onto T-376 and continue traveling south 0.1 miles towards T-425 (West Foothills Drive). Turn left onto T-425. End of detour.

The detour maps can be accessed virtually by clicking on the Plans Display Link under the "Resources" section of the upper right side of this webpage.