​Harrisburg, PA – PennDOT announced today that a new traffic configuration will be implemented on westbound Interstate 78 where it merges with southbound Interstate 81 in Union Township, Lebanon County. Work to set the new configuration will begin at 9:00 PM Wednesday, July 13, and is expected to be completed by 6:00 AM Thursday, July 14. 

This new configuration will merge traffic into a single lane on westbound I-78 sooner than the existing lane merge. Currently, the two lanes of westbound I-78 merge into one lane as I-78 traffic reaches southbound I-81. This is followed by a second merge of the single westbound I-78 lane onto southbound I-81. The new traffic configuration will require westbound I-78 traffic to merge into a single lane prior to the current merge point and allow for a smoother transition onto southbound I-81. 

There will be advance warning signs and pavement markings on westbound I-78 directing traffic to merge right. The same configuration of signs and pavement markings will be located on southbound I-81 for the final merge of traffic from the single lane of westbound I-78 onto southbound I-81. 

Motorists should be alert as they approach the area and watch for new traffic patterns.

This work is part of a 14-mile pavement preservation project in Dauphin and Lebanon counties.

This project consists of diamond grinding, concrete patching, spall repair, signing, pavement markings, and shoulder rumble strips on Interstate 78 in East Hanover, Union, and Bethel townships in Lebanon County. Also included is work on the westbound I-78 ramp to Route 22 in Lebanon County, and Interstate 81 in Lebanon and Dauphin counties.

This work is intended to improve the ride quality and extend the life of the concrete pavement.  

JD Eckman, Inc., of Atglen, Chester County is the prime contractor on this $5,517,636 project. Work is expected to be completed by the end of July.