​I-80 Eastbound Bridge over I-81 Project

Project Overview 

The project consists of the replacement of the Interstate 80, Section 350 EB bridge over Interstate 81 in Butler Township, Luzerne County, Pennsylvania. The existing Interstate 80 EB bridge over SR 0081 is a 4 Span Prestressed Concrete I-Beam bridge built in 1965. The existing bridge is in poor condition and does not meet current design standards. The project also includes preventive maintenance on the Interstate 81 NB bridge over Interstate 80 WB. The existing Interstate 81 NB bridge over Interstate 80 WB is a single-span, Prestressed Concrete I-Beam bridge, built in 1965.

The purpose of the project is to provide a sustainable crossing of Interstate 80 eastbound over Interstate 81 that meets current design standards and provides a safe and efficient highway system for motorists and to maintain the existing bridge on Interstate 81 NB over Interstate 80 WB in good repair for the traveling public.

During construction, overnight lane closures, short-term overnight detours, stop control configurations, and ramp detours are anticipated.

It is anticipated that construction will begin in spring 2025.  

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:    July 11, 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 township building for approximately 2-weeks, until July 27, 2023.

The information provided during the in-person plans 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 official comments is August 11, 2023.

Traffic Control

Overnight lane closures, short-term overnight detours, stop control configurations, and ramp detours are anticipated.

SR 0080 EB Bridge (Bridge 5B) over SR 0081 SR 0080 EB

Overnight temporary right lane closures to pick new beams off of the SR 0080 right lane for placement of beams in the first stage of construction. Overnight temporary left lane closures for placement of beams in the second stage of construction. A short-term overnight detour is required for the existing sign structure demo and new sign structure placement.

SR 0081:  Short-term overnight detours are required for the existing bridge demo and new beam placement.

Ramps: Temporary lane shifts on Ramp C (SR 0080 Eastbound Entrance Ramp from SR 0081 Southbound), Ramp E (SR 0080 Eastbound Left-Exit Ramp to SR 0081 Northbound), and Ramp H (SR 0080 Eastbound Entrance Ramp from SR 0081 Northbound) are required. Additionally, stop control will be implemented on Ramp C during 3 of the stages with the final 4th stage requiring a long-term detour for Ramp C.

SR 0081 NB Bridge (Bridge 16B) over SR 0080 WB

SR 0081 NB:  Overnight temporary lane closures for deck repairs.

SR 0080 WB:  Long-term right ramp lane/shoulder closure below the bridge for bridge repairs. Overnight left lane closures for bridge repairs. 

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