PennDOT District 8 outlines construction schedule and warns of work-zone risks after recent fatalities

PennDOT District 8 staff updated the Pats Coordinating Committee April 24 on a series of construction projects across the district and urged caution in work zones following recent worker fatalities.

Carrie Mullins, District 8 planning and programming manager, reported that Enola pavement-preservation work will implement Phase 1 traffic control soon (about 180 calendar days for Phase 1). US 11 bridge replacement continues on the northbound structure and I-81 concrete patching and bridge-parapet tie-ins were described as ongoing through the spring and summer. The Route 34 bridge in Perry County will use a temporary roadway and replace the structure with a box culvert once in‑stream restrictions lift; staff expect completion by late September.

Mullins also said the Loudermilk Road bridge reopened two weeks earlier and Millersburg North resurfacing work continues in northern Dauphin County. She flagged a pavement‑preservation project on Route 233 (from the Cumberland County line to Landisville Borough) that began April 9 and will include daytime lane restrictions and nine weekend closures for culvert work.

On safety, Mullins reminded members that four contractor employees in the district were killed on the job last year. She described 'Operation Yellowjacket' (unmarked enforcement in work zones) and said the district is coordinating with state police on enforcement and outreach. Committee members discussed possible additional measures including variable-speed limits, spot treatments and more public-facing communications.