Dunmore, PA – Today, Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) Secretary Mike Carroll joined PennDOT Engineering District 4 Executive Richard N. Roman, P.E., and local officials for the opening of the Route 424 (Chamber of Commerce Beltway) Extension project in Hazle Township, Luzerne County. The project is opening to traffic a year ahead of schedule.

"This area is growing rapidly, and our infrastructure has to meet those needs," said Carroll. "This project is a great example of partnership and collaboration, and PennDOT and the Shapiro Administration will continue delivering high-quality improvements for our communities.

The project was originally proposed in 2007 by the Greater Hazleton Chamber of Commerce and created a 1.1-mile long, four-lane extension of Route 424, also known as the "Hazleton Beltway," from the Interstate 81/Exit 141 Interchange to Humboldt Industrial Park (HIP). The extension connects the Hazleton Beltway to Route 924 west of I-81, using the HIP's existing roadway network. Turning lanes and traffic signals were added to the intersections of Route 424 and I-81 northbound ramps, Route 424 and I-81 southbound ramps, Route 424 and Commerce Drive, and Commerce Drive and Forest Road. The two bridges over I-80 have been paved and restriped to five lanes.

Prior to this project, Route 424, which connects Route 309 to I-81 at Exit 141 terminated at the I-81/Exit 141 interchange, creating a gap from the Hazleton Beltway to the HIP that limited access from the greater Hazleton area to the large industrial, commercial, and residential areas west of I-81. This project now provides secondary access between I-81 and HIP North and Northwest campuses and the Eagle Rock Resort, serving both industrial, commercial, residential, and emergency needs. This extension redistributes and diverts some of the traffic and improves traffic flow along the Route 924 HIP corridor and at the I-81/Route 924 interchange.

"We are extremely proud to see the opening of the Route 424 Extension project here in southern Luzerne County," said Roman. "This vital link will serve the economic interests of this area and provide for safer traffic movement. We are grateful for all of our partners who helped to get us to today."

Some work remains and will be completed in 2024, including bridge deck work, additional paving on the I-81 ramps and Route 424, signage and traffic signal installation, basin remediation, and plantings.

 Information about infrastructure in District 4, including completed work and significant projects, is available at www.penndot.pa.gov/D4Results. Find PennDOT's planned and active construction projects at www.projects.penndot.gov. 

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