The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) has scheduled important bridge deck repairs near the Eisenhower Interchange in Swatara Township for the weekend of October 25-26. This work will affect traffic on both northbound Interstate 283 (I-283) to northbound Interstate 83 (I-83) and the southbound I-83 ramp, requiring specific detours for motorists.
Key Takeaways
- Bridge deck repairs scheduled for October 25-26 near Eisenhower Interchange.
- Work impacts I-283 North to I-83 North and I-83 South ramp.
- Specific detours will be in effect on Saturday, Oct. 25, and Sunday, Oct. 26.
- Motorists should plan for travel delays and use 511PA.com for real-time updates.
Expanded Repair Work at Eisenhower Interchange
Initially, PennDOT planned only deck repairs for the bridge carrying northbound I-283 to northbound I-83. However, the scope of work has expanded. Crews will now also perform repairs on the southbound I-83 ramp to southbound I-83 within the same interchange area during the upcoming weekend.
This expansion means two distinct repair operations will occur on consecutive days. Drivers traveling through Swatara Township should be aware of these changes and prepare for altered traffic patterns.
Important Dates and Times
- Saturday, Oct. 25: Northbound I-283 to northbound I-83 bridge deck repairs. Work from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Sunday, Oct. 26: Southbound I-83 ramp repairs. Work from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Detour for Northbound I-283 to Northbound I-83 (Saturday, Oct. 25)
On Saturday, October 25, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., traffic on northbound I-283 intending to merge onto northbound I-83 will follow a revised detour. This detour is crucial for ensuring motorist safety and allowing crews to complete necessary bridge deck repairs.
Drivers will need to exit I-283 and navigate a series of local roads and state routes before rejoining I-83. Planning ahead and allowing extra travel time is strongly recommended.
Saturday's Detour Route Details
- Northbound I-283 traffic should exit onto eastbound Route 322.
- Proceed east on Route 322.
- Exit to Pen-Har Drive.
- Follow Pen-Har Drive to Paxton Street.
- Turn right onto Paxton Street.
- Proceed to the ramp for westbound Route 322.
- Head west on Route 322.
- Continue on Route 322 to reach northbound I-83.
"These repairs are essential for maintaining the integrity of our infrastructure at a critical interchange. We ask motorists for their patience and cooperation by following the marked detours," a PennDOT spokesperson stated.
About the Eisenhower Interchange
The Eisenhower Interchange is a significant transportation hub in Swatara Township, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania. It connects Interstate 83, Interstate 283, and U.S. Route 322, serving as a vital link for regional and interstate travel. Its complex design often requires careful planning for any maintenance or construction work.
Detour for Southbound I-83 Ramp (Sunday, Oct. 26)
On Sunday, October 26, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., repairs will focus on the southbound I-83 ramp. This will require a separate detour for traffic in that direction. Motorists using southbound I-83 at the interchange should be aware of the specific exit and ramp changes.
This work is also weather-dependent. PennDOT advises checking for updates if weather conditions are uncertain.
Sunday's Detour Route Details
- Southbound I-83 traffic should exit at Exit 47 (322 East/Hershey/Eisenhower Boulevard).
- Then, take the second ramp, which leads to Paxton Street/I-83 South.
- This ramp will guide drivers to proceed onto southbound I-83.
Stay Informed with 511PA.com
PennDOT encourages all drivers to utilize 511PA.com for the most current information regarding road conditions. This online resource is available 24 hours a day and provides critical updates for major roadways across Pennsylvania.
The 511PA.com platform offers several useful features. It provides real-time traffic delay warnings, helping drivers avoid unexpected congestion. Users can also access up-to-date weather forecasts that may impact travel plans. Furthermore, the site includes traffic speed information, allowing motorists to anticipate travel times more accurately. A network of more than 1,000 traffic cameras is also accessible, offering live views of road conditions.
Checking 511PA.com before starting a journey can significantly reduce travel stress and improve safety during these scheduled construction periods. This is especially important during weekends when many people travel for leisure or errands.
According to PennDOT, these scheduled repairs are part of ongoing efforts to maintain the safety and efficiency of the state's transportation network. While temporary detours may cause inconvenience, they are necessary for long-term infrastructure health.





