Traffic alert: Avoid I-83 in Harrisburg area over the weekend because of bridge work

Heading to the Harrisburg area this weekend?

Interstate 83 will be closed in both directions in the area of the Paxton Street bridge as a crew removes damaged beams from the structure over the highway, according to the state Department of Transportation.

The closure is expected to start at 9 p.m. Friday and remain in place until 6 a.m. Monday.

The bridge is located in Swatara Township, Dauphin County.

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The detour route involves Route 581 and Interstate 81 to reconnect with I-83.

Those who are traveling I-83 South in the Harrisburg area can use Exit 47 (US 322 E/Hershey/Eisenhower Blvd), PennDOT says. From Eisenhower Boulevard, drivers should exit to Paxton Street (I-83 South/Paxton Street) and get on the I-83 South on-ramp.

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Some I-83 ramps on the Cumberland County side will be closed. They are I-83 Exit 41B (Lemoyne) and the Lowther Street on-ramp to I-83 North.

In Harrisburg, South 40th Street between Derry Street and Paxton Street will be closed because of the anticipated higher traffic volumes, PennDOT says.

Drivers can check conditions on major roads by visiting 511PA.com.