MONROE – Sen. Rosemary M. Brown (R-40) announced today that an agreement has been reached between the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) and the National Park Service to begin temporary work on Route 611 in the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. The agreement marks a significant step forward in reopening the roadway which has been closed since December 6, 2022, causing substantial disruption to residents, businesses and commuters.
“I am absolutely thrilled to share that after extensive discussions and collaborative efforts, PennDOT and the National Park Service have agreed on a temporary solution to reopen Route 611,” said Brown.
The work will involve the installation of a temporary rockfall barrier, which will enable traffic to open through a portion of the affected three-mile section. Once the permit is issued by the National Park Service, PennDOT expects the work will take roughly six weeks to complete.
“This is a critical step in restoring accessibility and alleviating the hardships faced by our residents and businesses,” said Brown. “While this is a temporary fix, it is an important move toward a permanent resolution. I will continue to advocate for a comprehensive, long-term solution that balances all interests.”
Route 611, owned and maintained by PennDOT, runs through the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, which is managed by the National Park Service. The roadway was initially closed in April 2022 due to heavy rains washing out sections, and subsequent rockslides necessitated further safety measures.
“I want to publicly thank PennDOT for their persistence in collaboration,” said Brown. “I am optimistic that this temporary solution will provide the necessary relief to our community as we continue to work toward a permanent resolution.”
Updates will be provided as the temporary work progresses and plans for a long-term solution are developed.
CONTACT: Mackenzie Mueller
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