Get ready for some major changes to your weekend commute! Next weekend’s construction at the Eisenhower interchange just got a whole lot bigger, and it’s going to affect more drivers than initially planned. But here’s where it gets tricky—not only will there be one detour, but two separate routes will be in place to navigate the expanded work zone. And this is the part most people miss: understanding these detours now could save you from a frustrating delay later.
Originally, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) had scheduled deck repairs on the bridge connecting northbound Interstate 283 to northbound Interstate 83 in Swatara Township. However, in a recent update, they’ve added repairs to the southbound Interstate 83 ramp at the same interchange. Why the sudden expansion? It’s likely a strategic move to address multiple issues at once, but it also means more disruptions for drivers. Here’s the breakdown:
Saturday, October 25 (8 a.m. to 3 p.m.): Crews will focus on the northbound I-283 to I-83 bridge repairs. During this time, northbound traffic will be detoured via a corrected route: exit to eastbound Route 322, proceed to Pen-Har Drive, turn right onto Paxton Street, and then head west on Route 322 to reach northbound I-83. This detour is designed to minimize congestion, but it’s still a significant reroute—so plan accordingly.
Sunday, October 26 (8 a.m. to 3 p.m.): The southbound I-83 ramp repairs kick in. Drivers heading south on I-83 will need to exit at Exit 47 (322 East/Hershey/Eisenhower Boulevard), take the second ramp to Paxton Street, and then re-enter southbound I-83. This detour is shorter but could still cause delays, especially if traffic volume is high.
Here’s the controversial part: While combining these projects might seem efficient, it also doubles the potential for confusion and frustration. Are these detours truly the best solution, or could PennDOT have phased the work differently? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—we’d love to hear how you think this could have been handled better.
For real-time updates, motorists can check 511PA.com, which offers traffic delay warnings, weather forecasts, speed information, and access to over 1,000 traffic cameras. It’s a handy tool, especially for weekends like this when roadwork is in full swing.
In other news, a weeklong paving project in Cumberland County has been delayed, and a Pennsylvania agency is offering on-the-spot hiring for $23-an-hour jobs next week. Plus, recent accidents on I-83 in Dauphin County have caused significant backups—a reminder of how quickly road conditions can change. Stay informed and stay safe out there!
