PORTLAND, Pa. — It’s been a long time coming.
But after an almost two-year shutdown, Route 611 will reopen Tuesday, linking this northern Northampton County borough with Delaware Water Gap in Monroe County.
A three-mile section of Route 611 between the towns has been closed in both directions since a rockslide occurred during heavy rain on Dec. 6, 2022.
The road will reopen at 8 a.m. Tuesday.
"Completing this road construction project was not just a matter of convenience; it was about ensuring the safety and well-being of our residents and the prosperity of our local businesses,” said U.S. Rep. Matt Cartwright, D-8th District.
“The long-awaited reopening of Route 611 demonstrates that local, state and federal agencies and elected officials can all work together for the good of our community.”
But Portland merchants say it was work that should have been completed much sooner. They say the shutdown crippled business.
In July, Cartwright announced a breakthrough in the impasse between local officials, PennDOT, the National Park Service and the Federal Highway Administration.
A temporary, free-standing rockfall barrier has been installed where the rockslide occurred. Other updates included paving, new signs and a temporary traffic signal.
Cartwright said the updates will allow two-way traffic to flow from Cherry Valley Road/Oak Street in Delaware Water Gap south to Slateford Road while officials continue working on a more permanent solution.
