Traffic Shift Planned for Months on I-83 Starting Early August: PennDOT

Traffic Changes on Interstate 83 in Harrisburg Area

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) has announced that a traffic switch is planned on Interstate 83 in the Harrisburg area. This change is expected to occur during nighttime hours, weather permitting, from Sunday, August 3, through Thursday, August 7. The adjustments are part of an ongoing effort to improve infrastructure and manage construction activities along the highway.

During this period, lane restrictions will be in place on I-83 between 13th Street and Paxton Street. Northbound I-83 traffic will be shifted to the right onto the newly widened portion of the highway. This shift will happen just north of the 19th Street interchange and then return to the existing northbound lanes just past the new 29th Street overpass. Southbound I-83 traffic will also experience a minor shift to the right, just south of Paxton Street in the area of the 29th Street overpass.

This new traffic configuration will remain in effect for several months until another traffic switch is implemented to allow access to the 19th Street overpass for demolition. Motorists should be aware that construction vehicles may enter the roadway into the left lane of traffic, as the new construction zone will be located in the middle of the northbound and southbound I-83 lanes.

The changes are part of the first of two contracts for East Shore Section 3 of the Interstate 83 Capital Beltway Project. This contract involves widening and reconstructing portions of the I-83 roadway, constructing overhead bridges at 29th Street and 19th Street, building the new Cameron Street Interchange, removing the 13th Street interchange, and making improvements along the Cameron Street, 19th Street, and 29th Street corridors.

There may be significant impacts on traffic throughout the life of this project, including traffic shifts, lane restrictions, and road closures or detours. Advance notice will be provided before any major traffic changes occur.

New Enterprise Stone and Lime Company, Inc., based in New Enterprise, Pennsylvania, is the contractor responsible for this $154.6 million project. All work on this contract is expected to be completed by October 12, 2027.

The second East Shore Section 3 contract is anticipated to begin construction in 2025 and continue through 2028. It includes widening and reconstruction of I-83, construction of the 13th Street bridge and approaches, and the development of the 17th Street interchange along with widening 17th Street.

For more details about the East Shore Section 3 and the I-83 Capital Beltway Project, visit i-83beltway.com. A map of the construction contract can be found here.

Motorists can check current conditions on major roadways by visiting www.511PA.com. The 511PA service is free and available 24/7, offering traffic delay warnings, weather forecasts, and access to over 1,000 traffic cameras. It is also available via smartphone apps for iPhone and Android devices, by calling 5-1-1, or by following local alerts on X.

Residents in Adams, Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Lancaster, Lebanon, Perry, and York counties can subscribe to PennDOT news and traffic alerts through PennDOT District 8. Information about infrastructure in District 8, including completed projects and active initiatives, is available at District 8 Results. For details on planned and active construction projects, visit PennDOT Projects.