DELAWARE WATER GAP, Pa. — Another season has come, but the same problem remains at the intersection of Mountain Road and Route 611 in the Delaware Water Gap.
In December of 2022, A rockslide closed the three-mile stretch of road from the borough in Monroe County to Portland in Northampton County.
The road is still closed, causing headaches for people like Frances Crank.
"I think it's a shame that the road has been closed for so long. I have relatives over in Bangor that I like to visit, and now I have to pay several tolls to get there, and it takes me much longer, and I'm sad to see the business in the Gap affected," said Crank.
Federal, state, and local officials met today to discuss where they are now and the reason for the hold-up in starting work.
The portion of the road where the rockslide happened cuts through the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area.
That means the National Park Service has a say on how work gets done, requiring a special use permit to complete the work.
Delaware Water Gap Mayor Larry Freshcorn says he feels better knowing where the project stands and that work is being done to try and speed this up.
"It was a chance for me to express the frustration on behalf of our businesses and behalf of the borough on behalf of many people that have to go around the entire thing. you know, having to pay extra tolls. you know all the negative impacts," Mayor Freshcorn said.
As we wait for work to start, Businesses like The Village Farmer and Bakery continue to struggle.
"It's been devastating for us in town, but we're open every day were baking every day. I have a very talented team that I can't lose," said Susan Cooper, Owner of the bakery.
A Follow-up meeting is scheduled in February, where PennDOT and The National Park Service will share an update.
There is still no time frame on when work will begin.