Drivers who use the roads and ramps around the I-81/481 southern interchange are encountering changes in traffic patterns.
Regular commuters navigating the congested construction zone have witnessed the various pieces coming together that re-create the interchange. State DOT regional director David Smith said some of those steps take effect today.
“The ramp that currently serves the traffic that goes from 481 south to 81 as well as the traffic that comes from Brighton Ave. to go to 81 northbound, that ramp will close permanently and that's for the purpose of constructing the new ramps at the new E. Glen Ave. interchange.”
The E. Glen Ave. Bridge over I-81 connects Loretto to E. Brighton Ave. Crews closed the old bridge Monday and opened the new one only a few feet south. A new E. Glen Ave. on ramp to I-81 southbound also opened, adjacent to Loretto.
David Smith said each closure or new ramp leads to the next part of the project.
“It also will facilitate the removal of the existing Brighton Ave. bridge is over 481," Smith said. "That will then enable us to make the roundabouts fully functional and shift all of the traffic onto the new alignment.”
Multiple detours are in place. Smith urges motorists to pay attention, plan ahead, and slow down. The detours will be lifted in late August, when the permanent alignment on E. Glen and E. Brighton Avenues is fully open, allowing traffic to flow more freely.
