LUZERNE COUNTY, Pa. — There's a light at the intersection of Carverton Road and Route 309 in Trucksville that has been a source of frustration for drivers throughout the Back Mountain for years.
With the return of some sunshine, drivers are taking full advantage of the weather at Orloski's car wash along Route 309 near Dallas. But the car wash wasn't the only bumper-to-bumper in the Back Mountain.
"It's probably the worst traffic I've seen up here in probably a couple of years up here. It's been real bad," said Edward Gill of Shavertown.
What started as a Christmas wish late last year has become a reality. Santa Claus and PennDOT came through, as a green arrow at the intersection is now officially up and running.
"There's a lot more traffic than the lights were originally designed for, so I guess they're updating it," Dwanye Frank of Dallas.
While one wish is granted, drivers say another pesky problem persists.
"As you can see, a lot of people are driving still, and the traffic is getting worse. I don't know what they're going to do about it, though," said Evan Sabecky of Shavertown.
The frequent backups are due to the construction of PennDOT's 309 signal corridor safety project, which will improve ten traffic lights and the timing along Memorial Highway, starting near Hillside Road.
"It can be annoying, but sometimes it's my fault because I forget about it. I'm not used to it," said Frank.
Some drivers are avoiding the area altogether.
"Thankfully, because I lived here long, I know back ways to get around it," said Sabecky.
"It takes a little longer, but it's certainly not irritating like this. This is horrible," said Pam of Lake Township.
While it may be slowing down drivers for a few more months, they say they hope it's smooth sailing in the end.
"Assuming it works and do what it's supposed to do, I assume it's a temporary inconvenience for a permanent gain," added Frank.
PennDOT says the Route 309 project is expected to be completed by the end of this year.