LANCASTER COUNTY, PA — This weekend, Lancaster County residents and travelers can expect significant disruptions as the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) undertakes a crucial phase of the Route 30/Route 222 Interchange Improvement Project. Starting at 9:00 PM on Friday, May 10, and continuing until 5:00 AM on Monday, May 13, both eastbound and westbound lanes of Route 30, as well as the Route 222 bridges spanning Route 30, will be closed to traffic.
The closure, dependent on weather conditions, is necessary to demolish the structure that previously carried southbound Route 222 traffic onto eastbound Route 30. This demolition marks a pivotal step in reconfiguring traffic patterns around this busy interchange, a key artery for the region’s motorists.
In anticipation of this new traffic arrangement, the southbound Route 222 bridge to eastbound Route 30 has already been shuttered. Traffic is now being diverted into the northbound lanes just north of the closure and redirected back to eastbound Route 30 south of the construction zone. This temporary setup will remain until the completion of a new bridge.
To mitigate the impact, PennDOT has announced detours that will guide drivers around the closures. However, given the significant role Route 30 and Route 222 play in local and through traffic, considerable delays and congestion are anticipated along these alternative routes. Motorists are advised to avoid the area if possible or allocate extra travel time.
The project, which extends beyond the immediate interchange to include substantial improvements and reconstruction of Route 222 northward for about a mile, aims to enhance traffic flow and safety. Planned upgrades encompass the addition of lanes to portions of Route 222 and the ramps leading to and from Route 30, as well as the replacement and widening of bridges to accommodate increased vehicle volumes.
Despite the weekend’s comprehensive road closures, PennDOT assures that four lanes of traffic will be maintained throughout the life of the project, minimizing disruptions as much as possible. However, drivers navigating the work zones are urged to proceed with caution.
Scheduled for completion by September 3, 2027, the $72,173,900 project contracted to JD Eckman, Inc., of Atglen, PA, signifies a major investment in the infrastructure of Lancaster County.
Drivers can check current road conditions by visiting the MyChesCo Traffic Center. Stay updated on the latest news and information from MyChesCo with our free newsletter. Follow MyChesCo on Twitter at twitter.com/MyChesCo and like us on Facebook at facebook.com/MyChesCo.
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