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Construction Season Underway

SCRANTON—It is that time of year when drivers are seeing orange, as in orange construction cones and signs. One lane of the Central Scranton Expressway is...

SCRANTON—It is that time of year when drivers are seeing orange, as in orange construction cones and signs.

One lane of the Central Scranton Expressway is closed as crews work for bridge repair until mid-August.

Soon, one lane of the North Scranton Expressway in each direction will be closed too for bridge and deck repairs.

That project is expected to last until June.

“It’s going to be terrible! I know they have to do some kind of construction work but cutting these lanes down is terrible, it’s very very bad,” said Dominic Figliomeni of Scranton.

There are projects on Interstate 81 in Lackawanna County north and southbound, too; long term projects that cause backups when traffic is heavy.

The ramp connecting the Casey Highway West to 1-81 Northbound and the Casey Highway ramp to Route 347 are closed for work.

The ramp from i-84 to 347, too.

“It’s always excessive and it’s all over but it is worse in Pennsylvania. I travel to at least half a dozen states faily or on a rgular basis and it’s just too much,” said Mike Bolus of Throop, who drives a truck.

Some people said the roadwaork in the area means more time on the road for them and planning ahead to get places on time.

“It’s going to pretty much set me back more on my personal schedule to get an even half hour jump on that. It’s definitely frustrating,” said John Tabone of Duryea.

Some drivers wish PennDOT would hold off on some projects so travellers would have alternative routes when things get jammed up.

For example, not working on the Expressway at the same time the interstate is under construction.

“Couldn’t they stagger it so it didn’t happen all at the same time? You know? That’s why I would think,” said Dave Bellante of Clarks Summit.

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