DICKSON CITY -- A three-year project that has narrowed the lanes of Interstate 81 in Lackawanna County, and closed on and off ramps, is finally wrapping up.
The major traffic impact of the work near the Main Avenue exit is over with and we found those who frequent the area are thrilled.
The on and off ramps are all open, the lane-narrowing barriers are gone, and the project that has brought three years of headaches to the Main Avenue exit area of Interstate 81 has wrapped up.
"So grateful, we're so blessed right now that this is all taken care of. It's been a while but we got through it and we're very happy for the Christmas season that it's all cleared up now," said Melody Guza.
Guza is manager of George and Company Diamond Jewelers in Dickson City, right in the middle of where on and off ramps to I-81 have been closed from time to time.
But now those blinking ramp closed signs are off the highway, detours to get to and from this area are gone.
"Going all the back roads, taking the scenic route, do get to see things I don't normally see, but I'm happy we're going the normal way again," Guza said.
"Driving around the mall, taking the longest way possible to get here, I feel, especially first thing in the morning, it sucks, the morning commute," said Kristen Beichler of Dalton.
Beichler works at the Dunkin' Donuts inside Toyota Scion of Scranton. She also dealt with the delays as PennDOT spent $32 million over the past three years to replace bridges, widen the road, and make safety improvements between there and Clarks Summit.
"I'm so glad it's done now."
The ramps are back open, but the work zone signs are still up. This project isn't completely done. PennDOT plans to pave the interstate next spring, but that should be done at night.
"I think it went very smoothly. All the businesses around here got together, talked to PennDOT and PennDOT was phenomenal the way they helped us out," said Joe Ross of Toyota Scion of Scranton.
At Toyota Scion of Scranton, managers say PennDOT adjusted the project from time to time to make life easier for businesses. But this place is also glad the disruptions are done.
"Oh, it's fantastic. For the customers, it's easier for them to get here, especially with our busy season Toyotathon coming up. It's just going to be easier and a better customer experience."
Over the next few weeks, workers will still be in that area, installing sound barriers, but the biggest impact on drivers is done.
