The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation announced today that emergency work has begun to repair and reopen U.S. 209 in Nesquehoning Borough, Carbon County, after wall supporting the road collapsed Saturday.

After the collapse, which undermined the road and forced the closure of both the road and adjacent rail line, PennDOT quickly mobilized department personnel and several contractors to help assess the damage and formulate a plan for the repairs.

With J.D. Eckman Inc. of Atglen, as the prime contractor, equipment has been mobilized to the location and work has already begun as of Sunday morning.

Repair operations will continue 24/7 until completed. Current estimates have the work taking six to eight weeks to open the road with the work to reopen the railroad line to be completed earlier. Timeframes are current estimates and are subject to change.

Emergency repairs include stabilizing the existing wall, removing the fallen rock, rebuilding the collapsed portion of wall, and repairing the road.

Route 209 is currently closed between Route 903 and Route 93. The detour will utilize Route 443, Route 309, and U.S. 209.

Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway was forced to cancel its passenger trains Saturday afternoon and Sunday. The raliway posted it has no date for resumption of normal operations.

“We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate your patience and understanding,” the company said.

“Please remember that tickets are good for life!”

Customers can exchange tickets or request a refund by calling the office.