Cable median barrier project continues on multiple routes in south-central PA

A $5.2 million project to install a high-tension cable median barrier on Interstate 81 and other routes in south-central Pennsylvania is progressing this week in Dauphin County before moving into Lebanon and Cumberland counties within the next few weeks.

The project, according to a Nov. 7 release from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, will later proceed to include Route 30 in York County and routes 30 and 222 in Lancaster County. Work began on I-81 last week.

"Cable median barriers are life-saving traffic devices for use in existing medians to prevent cross-over crashes," PennDOT explained in the release. "They are one of the most-effective safety measures deployed to protect motorists on highways."

Work hours are from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and the left shoulder will be closed, as needed, between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Motorists are asked to drive with caution through the work zone.

This project includes the installation of approximately 29 miles of high-tension cable barrier in the medians of I-81, Route 30 and Route 222 through Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Lancaster, Lebanon, and York counties.

Preparations for the project began last year with roadway borings and testing for the barrier's end anchor terminals. This year, from March to October, the contractor – Green Acres Contracting Co. – drilled and filled the line post and end anchors and installed guide rails.

All work in the $5,213,525 project is expected to be completed by the May 2025.