DUNMORE, Pa. — For the past two years, PennDOT has been working to replace the twin bridges along Interstate 84 in Dunmore. The multi-million-dollar project also includes reconfiguring the Elmhurst exit to Route 435 from a left-lane exit to the right—something people who travel this route believe is a good thing.
"A left-hand exit off of a major interstate is a no-no. It was a mistake that was made years ago, and now they're fixing it, so kudos to them," said Loren Caparo from Elmhurst Township.
The next step in this project is to complete the new off-ramp by closing the current exit ramp at the end of the month. PennDOT expects the Elmhurst exit to remain closed until next fall.
"Not real happy about it but understand that our infrastructure is failing and we need to rebuild it. Ultimately, at the end of the day, it's a long-term fix to a long-term solution," Caparo said.
"It's going to be very inconvenient for everybody," said Phil Madison from Elmhurst Township.
"It kind of makes sense to me," said Elmhurst Township resident Paul Prezzia. "The bridges were about to collapse, and what do you do when that's happening?"
PennDOT recommends a detour that would have drivers headed east on Interstate 84 continue to the Mount Cobb/ Hamlin Exit (8) and backtrack using Route 348.
Details on the planned detour are posted on PennDOT's website.
"I have to go all the way up to Moscow. It's going to cost me more money just to get home," Madison said.
"I know four other ways to get home. I go down to Dunmore a lot, but I'll just try some other roads, maybe learn some new things," Judy Smith said.
Drivers will still be able to get on Interstate 84 from Route 435.
The closure of the exit ramp is set for November 28.
The entire Twin Bridges project is estimated to cost $113.2 million and should be completed in 2024.