By Maria Francis, Pocono Record,
Road and bridge projects totaling more than $143 million are underway or set to start this year in Monroe County, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation .
"Governor Josh Shapiro's commitment to delivering safe highways and bridges across the Commonwealth remains a top priority," PennDOT said in a press release, adding that his budget included federal bipartisan infrastructure law investments.
PennDOT District 5 Safety Press Officer Sean Brown said there are 22 bridge structures in Monroe County under construction. "Some of these are resurfacing or undergoing preservation work or rehabilitation. There are two that are being completely replaced."
On May 1, PennDOT previewed projects that are underway or are scheduled to start in 2024. The projects that are currently underway in Monroe County include:
- Exit 308/Prospect Street interchange off Interstate 80 in East Stroudsburg. It includes widening the interstate from four lanes to six lanes, replacing the Prospect Street bridge over I-80 and the mainline bridge over Lincoln Avenue, reconstruction of the interchange ramps, new roundabout additions and signal changes. The project is estimated to cost $93.8 million and conclude in mid-2027.
- The intersection of Routes 209 and 115 in Chestnuthill Township is being realigned and widened. That project was estimated to cost $18.7 million.
- Route 611 in Hamilton, Pocono and Stroud townships is undergoing milling and repaving at an estimated cost of $2.44 million.
- Route 209 through Middle Smithfield and Smithfield townships is undergoing milling and repaving at an estimated cost of $2.25 million.
Other projects that are scheduled to begin this year in Monroe County include:
- Route 209 in Hamilton Township will undergo milling and paving, estimated to cost $11 to $12 million.
- The intersection of Route 611 and 715 in Pocono Township will undergo improvements, estimated to cost $10 to $11 million.
- Route 115 in Tobyhanna Township will undergo milling and paving, estimated to cost between $3.5 to $4 million.
- Business Route 209 in East Stroudsburg will undergo milling and paving, estimated to cost between $1.5 to $2 million.
Maria Francis covers K-12 education and real estate, housing and development for the Pocono Record. Reach her at mfrancis@poconorecord.com .
This article originally appeared on Pocono Record: PennDOT projects in Monroe County: How $143 million will be spent on roads and bridges