The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation has changed its proposal to toll the Interstate 80 bridge on the Carbon line.

Initially, each bridge was proposed for tolling in both directions, but based on public feedback and the proximity of the bridges, PennDOT will pursue one-way tolling at each of the bridges.

This means that traffic would be tolled eastbound at Lehigh and westbound at Nescopeck.

This reduces the number of tolls drivers would have to pay on I-80, as well as overall diversions and the need for additional tolling infrastructure.

The I-80 Over Lehigh River bridges, which cross over the Lehigh River, Lehigh Gorge State Park, Reading Blue Mountain and Northern Railroad and Route 1005 (River Road) in Carbon and Luzerne counties, are aging and reaching the end of their serviceable life span.

The proposed project will address the deterioration of the aging bridge structures and provide safe connectivity for interstate travelers, commuters, commercial users, emergency services, tourists and local residents.

PennDOT is hosting an on-demand virtual public meeting for the I-80 Over Lehigh River Bridge Project now through Dec. 17. The meeting can be accessed online by visiting www.penndot.gov/i80LehighRiverBridge.

An in-person public open house will also take place from 4 to 7 p.m. Dec. 8 at Split Rock Resort, 428 Moseywood Road, Lake Harmony.

The I-80 Over Lehigh River Bridge Project is a candidate for bridge tolling through the PennDOT Pathways Major Bridge Public-Private Partnership Initiative. Under the initiative, tolls collected would be used for the bridges’ construction, maintenance, and operation.

An on-demand virtual public meeting also contains information about the project’s design plans, environmental studies, potential tolling implementation, and project schedule.

Submit an online comment directly from the on-demand virtual public meeting site, or you can use the following outlets to share your feedback. All comments submitted during the comment period will receive equal consideration regardless of the method of submission.

Email: i80LehighRiverBridge@pa.gov

Hotline: 570-793-2045

Mail: PennDOT District 5, Attn: I-80 Over Lehigh River Bridge Project, 1002 Hamilton St., Allentown, PA 18101

To request translation services for the I-80 Over Lehigh River Bridge Project, please reach out via the project email at i80LehighRiverBridge@pa.gov or hotline number at 570-793-2045. For more information about the I-80 Over Lehigh River Bridge Project, visit www.penndot.gov/i80LehighRiverBridge