SCHUYLKILL COUNTY, Pa. — Crews are busy in St. Clair as they work on a multi-year project to update Route 61 in this part of Schuylkill County.
"The way I understand it, it is supposed to be a five-year project, but I hope they get it done sooner," said Lance Davidson of Frackville.
Drivers like Lance Davidson say the updates are necessary.
"Because there's too many accidents on real sharp turns, which is the one is dead man's curve," added Davidson.
However, issues can arise during the construction project to cause problems for drivers, like what happened Tuesday morning when crews struck a gas line, causing the closure of Route 61 in both directions from Interstate 81 near Frackville.
To the Coal Commons Commerce Center in St. Clair and detours for drivers.
"I had to go like 15-20 miles out on my way. It's usually I could get down here in about three minutes, five minutes. Now it takes me 20-25," said Mike Longenberger of Frackville.
"If you have an emergency call, all emergency vehicles must go around. Can't come down at 61, and it takes time," said Davidson.
Drivers like Mike Longenberger of Frackville say he's lucky to be retired, so it's not a big issue for him, but it causes problems for people who have to get to Pottsville for work.
"It's just a nuisance. Really, what it is. You know, people that have to be working and have to be at work on time. It's a different story with them because they have to either get up earlier or rent the helicopter, I guess," added Longenberger.
Route 61 is back open to traffic in both directions between Interstate 81 and St. Clair.