More than a year and a half after a rockslide closed the road, work is now beginning to reopen Route 611 in the Delaware Water Gap area.

This move comes after the National Park Service (NPS) approved the state Department of Transportation’s (PennDOT) request for a special use permit earlier this week.

PennDOT officials estimate the project will take approximately eight to ten weeks to complete.

Plans call for the construction of a temporary, free-standing rockfall barrier to maintain traffic in both directions while authorities work on a more permanent solution.

Heavy rains caused a rockslide on Mount Minsi in December 2022, and the road has been closed since then – largely due to a dead end caused by legal restrictions faced by NPS and PennDOT, U.S. Rep. Matt Cartwright’s office said.

Provide a solution

To move the project forward, Cartwright led a series of interagency meetings bringing together representatives from all levels of government, from the U.S. Senate to Congress, from the state legislature to county and municipal officials.

“This is what happens when we work together at all levels of government, and I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished as a team,” Cartwright said. “I want to thank State Senator Rosemary Brown and State Representative Tarah Probst, as well as all of the offices who came together to expedite the necessary repairs and get Route 611 back in service. Today’s announcement is proof that working together produces real results for the people we serve.”

Park Service officials agreed.

“The NPS is very pleased that Route 611 will finally reopen to traffic following the installation of the temporary barriers. This will bring much-needed and long-awaited relief to local communities and their residents while addressing safety concerns while protecting important park resources – Mount Minsi and the Delaware Water Gap – from permanent degradation,” said NPS spokeswoman Kathleen Sandt.

“This temporary solution will maintain traffic flow while the agencies involved conduct a thorough and open analysis of alternatives to several much-needed projects within the Route 611 corridor between Portland and Delaware Water Gap,” Sandt added.

What the work involves

The PennDOT contractor was scheduled to begin transporting barriers and other safety equipment to the area today.

According to authorities, the work includes leveling and realigning the roadway and erecting freestanding metal posts, concrete barriers and a wire mesh protective fence.

Next week, PennDOT will erect a protective fence for workers, conduct preliminary work to install the barrier and begin excavation, officials said.