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Bridge Replacement Forces Drivers to Detour

CHESTNUTHILL TOWNSHIP — Drivers in one part of the Poconos will have to use a detour for most of the summer. A portion of Route 715 near Brodheadsville is...
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CHESTNUTHILL TOWNSHIP -- Drivers in one part of the Poconos will have to use a detour for most of the summer.

A portion of Route 715 near Brodheadsville is closed off while a bridge is replaced.  Work to replace bridge began today and will go for more than two months.

There are signs up to warn drivers about the detour, but on this first day some drivers seemed confused by the change.

Workers are taking apart the bridge near Brodheadsville preparing to replace it.

The work is expected to continue until early August, meaning drivers will have to get used to signs marking a detour of more than six miles.

For Bethlinn Mackes, a quick trip to get coffee now requires more effort, not to mention a drive through Effort.

"It could be a pain in the neck, yeah it's a roundabout way you have to go now."

On this first day of the detour, some drivers seemed confused by the changes.

"You just got to look at the signs and you will be OK. Some people don't even look at the signs," said Muhamet Krasniqi.

The work is part of an $899 million dollar statewide project that will replace 558 bridges over three years.

Some drivers told us while they are not crazy about the detour, ultimately the inconvenience will be worth it to have a better bridge.

"They are replacing the bridges all over the place, repairing them, fixing them, but they need to be done," said Donald Miller.

A spokesperson for the contractor said the next bridge scheduled for replacement will be on Bridge Street in Stroud Township. Work on that project is expected to begin sometime in June.

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