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    I-80 Over Lehigh River Bridge Project

    I-80 over Lehigh River Bridge

    Project Status

    Step 3 of 4

    Construction

    Next Step:  Completed

    Project Overview

    County: Carbon and Luzerne
    State Route: SR 0080-08B (Interstate 80)
    Local Name: I-80 Over Lehigh River Bridge Project
    Project Type: Bridge Replacement 
    Design and Construction Cost: $148.9 million
    Start of Construction: June 2024
    Anticipated Bridge Completion: Summer 2028
    Designer: Michael Baker International
    Last Updated: October 2026

    View Project History & Funding

    The I-80 bridges over the Lehigh River are eastbound/westbound structures built in 1965 and approaching the end of their serviceable lifespans. These bridges cross over the Lehigh River, Lehigh Gorge State Park, Reading Blue Mountain and Northern Railroad and SR 1005 (River Road) in Carbon and Luzerne Counties. Combined, the bridges carry an average of 27,400 vehicles per day, about 44 percent of which is truck traffic.

    The purpose of the I-80 Over Lehigh River Bridges project is to address the deterioration of the aging bridge structures and provide safe and reliable bridges that will provide connectivity for interstate travelers, commuters, commercial users, emergency services, tourists, and local residents. The project will replace the aging bridges with wider structures; increase the length of the eastbound on-ramp auxiliary lane, the height of the bridges' barriers, and the width of the shoulders to meet current interstate design standards; and improve safety in the corridor.

    Project Updates

    The I-80 Lehigh project has reached another significant milestone this fall, marking continued progress as construction advances into Stage 2, Phase 3C. With the most recent traffic switch now complete, the project team has successfully transitioned traffic into the next phase of construction while continuing to make improvements throughout the project area.

    As part of this latest phase, the temporary traffic barrier was removed from the I-80 eastbound roadway, allowing the roadway and bridge to reopen to unrestricted traffic. This important milestone restores normal traffic flow through the area and provides motorists with improved access and mobility along the I-80 corridor.

    The latest traffic switch also marks the reopening of Ramp C, State Route 940 to I-80 eastbound on-ramp, which has been closed since July 2025. The reopening of the ramp represents a major step forward for the project and restores a key connection for travelers using State Route 940 and I-80.

    Future Westbound Alignment of I-80 bridge over Lehigh Future Westbound Alignment
    Westbound Pier 3 Cap Formwork Installation on I-80 bridge over Lehigh Westbound Pier 3 Cap Formwork Installation

    At the I-80 Lehigh River Bridge project, significant progress has been made with the reopening of the I80 westbound ramp to Route 940 on July 23. Closed since March to support major construction activities, the temporary crossover ramp is once again open to motorists following the completion of paving operations. Reopening the ramp restores a key traffic connection and marks another important milestone in the project's phased construction schedule.

    Meanwhile, the I-80 eastbound ramp remains closed as crews complete an additional latex overlay on the eastbound bridge deck. This work is expected to continue through mid-September and is necessary to ensure the long-term durability and performance of the new bridge surface. Once completed, the project team will continue preparing for the next stages of construction while maintaining safe travel through the work zone.

    The world's largest operating steam locomotive, Union Pacific Big Boy No. 4014, passes through the I-90 Over the Lehigh River project. The world's largest operating steam locomotive, Union Pacific Big Boy No. 4014, passes through the I-90 Over the Lehigh River project.
    I-80 over Lehigh River Bridge Partial WB Pier 3 and Westbound Bridge Demolition Partial WB Pier 3 and Westbound Bridge Demolition

    Construction on the I-80 bridge project is progressing after completing major traffic pattern changes.  Wagman Heavy Civil shifted eastbound I-80 traffic onto the newly constructed eastbound bridge on Saturday, March 21, 2026. The westbound I-80 traffic was moved onto the existing eastbound bridge on Sunday, March 29, 2026, using median crossovers.

    West Side-Ramp C March 2026 West Side-Ramp C March 2026
    West Side-Ramp C March 2026 West Side-Ramp C March 2026
    Eastbound Newly Constructed Bridge Eastbound Newly Constructed Bridge

    Wagman Heavy Civil crews are nearing completion of the major structural work for the new eastbound bridge. Current efforts include finishing the approach slabs and parapets.

    Median crossover construction is also progressing to support a planned traffic switch in February, weather permitting.

    The existing Lehigh River bridge is pictured at left, with the new bridge on the right. The existing Lehigh River bridge is pictured at left, with the new bridge on the right.
    West Side- I-80 Median Temporary Cross Over Shoulder Back Up West Side- I-80 Median Temporary Cross Over Shoulder Back Up

    PA 940 On-Ramp Closure Supports Critical I-80 Bridge Improvements

    As part of the ongoing I-80 Over Lehigh River Bridge Replacement Project, the closure of the PA 940 on-ramp to Interstate 80 East (Exit 273), which began in April, remains in effect. This temporary closure is a key component of the project’s current construction phase and plays a vital role in supporting safe and efficient progress on the overall bridge and roadway improvements.

    I-80 Lehigh state route 940 Detour Map

    Construction Progress – Piers 1–3, I-80 over Lehigh River

    Ongoing construction of Piers 1, 2, and 3 for the new I-80 bridge over the Lehigh River. Pier 1 is in the early stages with formwork and rebar placement, Pier 2 shows progressed column work, and Pier 3 foundation activity is underway.

    Piers 1–3, I-80 over Lehigh River

    Rebar Cage Lift and Placement – Pier 1, I-80 Lehigh River Project

    Crews have successfully lifted and placed a rebar cage at Pier 1 as part of the I-80 Over Lehigh River Bridge Replacement Project. This key step strengthens the pier’s foundation and prepares it for upcoming concrete work. 

    Rebar Cage Lift and Placement – Pier 1, I-80 Lehigh River Project

    Stay Informed

    To stay informed, share feedback, or be added to the project mailing list, please email PublicInformationOffice@pennbridges.com.