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Road Closure Causing Problems

WRIGHT TOWNSHIP — Sunday’s snow is making getting around even tougher for folks dealing with a road closure and detour in part of Luzerne County. Ro...

WRIGHT TOWNSHIP -- Sunday's snow is making getting around even tougher for folks dealing with a road closure and detour in part of Luzerne County.

Route 437 is the most direct way to get from Mountain Top to the Poconos.

But frozen groundwater buckled the pavement and forced PennDOT to close the road.

Alyssa Davis works at P and D pet supply in Mountain Top, but lives in White Haven. Normally her commute is a cinch.

However, when buckling pavement forced PennDOT to close 437 and detour drivers down Tunnel Road, Allysa's ride got a little rougher

"The first time I came through there, actually I was stuck behind a 53 foot tractor trailer, so that was a little scary coming through Tunnel Road, cause it is very narrow.

Authorities said since the problem was caused by frozen ground water, repairs will have to wait until the weather is warmer. For now, traffic must follow the four mile detour, adding 10 to 15 minutes to a trip.

Route 437 is the most direct route from Mountian Top to the Poconos and points east. Josh Detweiler lives along the detour and said traffic has doubled on Tunnel Road which has twists, turns, and plenty of potholes.

"This is starting to get a lot of potholes here. You throw in the extra traffic. It is not good for the road," said Detweiler of Dennison Township.

Some drivers have been ignoring the detour, and taking 437 anyway, something local police said has to stop.

The White Haven Police Department has posted warnings on its Facebook page, and handed out citations to more than a dozen drivers. Officers said anyone caught on the closed road will be slapped with a $150 fine.

However some folks are finding silver linings in the situation.

Tom Hollock lives right on 437.

"Less traffic, easier to get out of your house," said Hollock.

Then there is Tom Allegretto whose restaurant, Charlie Weaver's, is tucked away on Tunnel Road in a spot that is somewhat secluded.

He's hoping all the new traffic brings more exposure and hopefully some hungry drivers.

"The secret is out, that's what I am hoping, the secret is out," said Allegretto.

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