SCRANTON, PA — Drivers in Lackawanna County should prepare for intermittent traffic delays on Interstate 81 today as PennDOT crews conduct routine bridge and infrastructure inspections. The work, which began this morning, is occurring between Exit 180 (Moosic) and Exit 186 (Drinker Street) near Dunmore.
The maintenance schedule utilizes both temporary lane restrictions and mobile "rolling" closures to ensure the safety of inspection teams. These restrictions affect both the northbound and southbound lanes, with crews moving along the corridor throughout the day. PennDOT has timed the work to take place between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. to avoid the heaviest volume of the morning and afternoon rush hours.
Motorists traveling through the inspection zone are advised to stay alert for slow-moving vehicles and changing lane patterns. While the work is intended to be completed by mid-afternoon, travelers may still encounter "accordion-style" congestion as traffic adjusts to the mobile closures. For those on a tight schedule, alternate routes such as Route 11 (the North Scranton Expressway) or Pittston Avenue may provide a more consistent travel time until the interstate returns to its full capacity later today.