Drivers in Cumberland County should prepare for extended travel delays, lane narrowings, and major ramp detours starting Thursday, July 23, as the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) kicks off an $8.8 million roadwork project along Route 11/15 and Interstate 81.
The multi-month preservation effort targets high-traffic corridors in East Pennsboro Township to improve road conditions, upgrade drainage, replace highway lighting, and install new guide rails.
Part of Valley Road will close on July 23. Drivers should follow the detour using Columbia Road and Enola Drive to return to Valley Road. This detour will be in place for up to six months.
What Drivers Need to Know:
Route 11/15 (Enola Road): Work stretches from just south of Valley Road to just north of Bella Vista Drive.
Lane Width Restrictions: Concrete barriers and long-term signage will reduce travel lanes on Route 11/15 down to 11 feet for up to 90 days.
Interstate 81 Corridor: The project zone extends from the Exit 65 interchange (Route 11/15) north to the Miller Street Bridge.
Ramp Closures & Detours: Four ramps at the Exit 65 interchange will experience long-term detours for up to 90 days. Temporary traffic signals and alternate routes will be active to route drivers around closures.
Restricted Work Hours & Peak Commute Protection
To minimize impact on daily commuters and local businesses, PennDOT has put strict time restrictions on the contractor:
Peak Commute Shield:
Route 11/15: No lane restrictions are permitted during rush hour periods (6:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.).
Interstate 81: All lane restrictions must take place during nighttime hours; no daylight lane restrictions are permitted on I-81.
Because ramp closures at Exit 65 will significantly alter travel routes for up to three months, PennDOT advises motorists to budget extra travel time through East Pennsboro Township and Enola.
