CARLISLE, Pa. (WHTM)– A busy intersection in Carlisle will be closed for more than a week, but borough officials say the short-term closure will have long-term benefits.

The intersection of Carlisle Springs Road and North Hanover Street will be closed starting today, Thursday. It will remain closed for seven days as workers bore underneath Norfolk Southern's railroad tracks and install water and electric utilities, according to Carlisle Borough engineer Jeff Bergsten.

A traffic light will also be added at the intersection. Bergsten said the closure won't affect residents living near the railroad track crossing but will affect drivers who regularly commute through the area. Every day, thousands of vehicles travel through or near the area.

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"If you can avoid the area or if you have the luxury of avoiding the area, I would highly recommend," Bergsten said.

For those who can't avoid the area, signs for detours will be in place. Drivers are encouraged to be patient and follow the rules of the road, especially when driving through construction zones.

Bergsten said the construction project is part of the "Carlisle Connectivity Project" that started in May of 2024. Carlisle Connectivity is a project to add a series of transportation upragdes designed to improve mobility around the northern area of Carlisle.

"The borough is very excited about this project, and look forward to its completion because it is regional. We know that when I-81 gets shut down, US 11 is that detour an alternative route," Bergsten said. "So, by having that signalized intersection and that modern roundabout in place, it will improve safety for all of the walking, especially walking residents."

The entire project is expected to be completed by December 2025.