Interstate 81 travels north from Interstate 78 one mile to junction Pennsylvania 72 (Everest Lane) at Fisher Avenue. Pennsylvania 72 parallels the freeway from Interstate 78 northward to Lickdale and Pennsylvania 443 (Moonshine Road). Fisher Avenue intersects the state route nearby in Lickdale. Photo taken 09/18/04.
Reconstruction of Interstate 81 ongoing at the time of the photograph forced northbound traffic onto the southbound carriageway ahead of the folded-diamond interchange with Fisher Avenue. Fisher Avenue flows east from Fort Indiantown Gap and Pennsylvania 443 to junction Pennsylvania 72 (Everest Lane) at its intersection with Lickdale Road. Fisher Avenue was originally part of Pennsylvania 934 between Pennsylvania 443 and 72. Photo taken 09/18/04.
Pennsylvania 72 travels south from Pennsylvania 443 (Moonshine Road) near Green Point to the Lebanon County seat of Lebanon, Cornwall, Manheim, and Lancaster. The state highway provides the main route between Interstate 81 and Lebanon despite the lack of access to Interstate 78. Use Pennsylvania 72 north to Pennsylvania 443 for Swatara State Park. Photo taken 09/18/04.
A ten mile stretch of scenery lies between Lickdale and Pine Grove along Interstate 81 alongside Swatara State Park. The four-lane freeway was the site of major reconstruction during 2004 to replace the roadways with new concrete. Pictured here are scenes of the mountains, roadwork, and a makeshift mileage sign. Photos taken 09/18/04.
The original text-button copy two-mile guide sign for Pennsylvania 443 was retrofitted with a reflectorized exit number in 2001. The first Schuylkill County interchange of Interstate 81 joins the freeway with Pennsylvania 443 near Pine Grove. Photo taken 09/18/04.
A second button copy sign is found one mile south of the Exit 100 partial-cloverleaf interchange. Pennsylvania 441 enters the scene from a parallel alignment of Interstate 81 to the west. The state highway curves northward from Pennsylvania 72 through Suedberg to Exit 100. Photo taken 09/18/04.
A fully reflectorized guide sign resides at the Exit 100 ramp departure for Pennsylvania 443. Pennsylvania 443 reaches Suedberg 2.4 miles to the west. The state highway also serves Swatara State Park between Exit 100 and junction Pennsylvania 72. Eastward the route (Tulpehocken Street) reaches Pine Grove and junction Pennsylvania 895 (Wood Street) in 2.75 miles. Photo taken 09/18/04.
More scenery along Interstate 81 northbound between Exits 100 and 104. An abandoned rest area lies 1.75 miles southwest of Exit 104 near the community of Ravine. Photos taken 09/18/04.
Exit 104 serves nearby Pennsylvania 125 and the community of Ravine via ramps to SR-4011 nearby. Pennsylvania 125 ventures 3.1 miles north from Pennsylvania 443 in Pine Grove to near Interstate 81. Note the Clearview font on the first guide sign for Exit 104. Photo taken 09/18/04.
Drawing to within one mile of the Exit 104 interchange for Pennsylvania 125 and Ravine. Pennsylvania 125 continues northeast from Interstate 81 3.7 miles to Tremont and junction U.S. 209. SR-4011 meanwhile meanders northwest 4.2 miles to Joliett and U.S. 209 as well. Photo taken 09/18/04.
Interstate 81 northbound at the Exit 104 folded-diamond interchange with SR-4011 near Pennsylvania 125 and Ravine. Photos taken 09/18/04.
Continuing northward on Interstate 81 toward the junction with U.S. 209 at Exit 107. U.S. 209 travels east-west between Millersburg and Matamoris within the state of Pennsylvania. The federal route locally joins Interstate 81 with Joliet and Tremont. Photo taken 09/18/04.
Sandwiched between the tractor trailers on Interstate 81 northbound is a Clearview Font sign for U.S. 209 and Exit 107. U.S. 209 straddles the Appalachian Mountains between Lykens and Tower City to the west and Tremont and Minersville to the east. The federal route is one of a few to survive decommissioning in eastern Pennsylvania. U.S. 106, U.S. 111, U.S. 120/122, U.S. 230, U.S. 309, and U.S. 611 were not so fortunate. Photo taken 09/18/04.
Auxiliary button-copy sign touting the destination of Pottsville from Exit 107. U.S. 209 northbound provides the most direct route to Pottsville from Interstate 81 north. The city resides at the crossroads with Pennsylvania 61 (former U.S. 122). Pottsville is the seat of Schuylkill County and the home of Yuengling Beer. Photo taken 09/18/04.
A partial-cloverleaf interchange joins U.S. 209 with Interstate 81 at Exit 107. The federal highway migrates 6.7 miles eastward from Tower City through Reinerton and Muir to junction Interstate 81. U.S. 209 north continues 2.75 miles east to Tremont and 12.5 miles to Minersville. Photo taken 09/18/04.
Passing over a railroad line and Pennsylvania 125 (Center Street) along Interstate 81 northbound. The freeway curves northeasterly from Tremont to Hazleton and Wilkes-Barre. Photo taken 09/18/04.
Next in line for northbound travelers is the Exit 112 diamond interchange with Pennsylvania 25. The state highway begins 2.75 miles to the east of Interstate 81 in Newtown at U.S. 209. Photo taken 09/18/04.
One-mile guide sign for Exit 112 and Pennsylvania 25 posted along Interstate 81 north. Pennsylvania 25 flows west from Newtown six miles to Fountain and nine miles to Hegins. Pennsylvania 125 (Good Spring Road) intersects its parent (East Main Street) in Hegins. Photo taken 09/18/04.
Interstate 81 northbound at the Exit 112 ramp departure for Pennsylvania 25. Pennsylvania 25 travels 35 miles overall between Millersburg and Newtown. Photo taken 09/18/04.
Pennsylvania 901 (Sunbury Road) intersects Interstate 81 at the Exit 116 diamond interchange near Buck Run. Pictured here is the two-mile guide sign for the junction in Clearview font. Photo taken 09/18/04.
Auxiliary guide sign touting the Pennsylvania 61 control points of Shamokin and Mount Carmel to the northwest. Pennsylvania 901 (Sunbury Road) ties into Pennsylvania 54 near Lavelle and Atlas and Pennsylvania 61 at Ranshaw near Shamokin. Photo taken 09/18/04.
Pennsylvania 901 otherwise provides the main route into Minersville from Interstate 81. The two lies five miles to the southeast. The state route serves the communities of Buck Run and Forestville on the southbound drive. Photo taken 09/18/04.
Interstate 81 northbound at the Exit 116 diamond interchange with Pennsylvania 901 (Sunbury Road). Use Pennsylvania 901 north for Schuylkill County/Joe Zerbey Airport and Weiser State Forest. The state highway merges with Pennsylvania 54 seven miles to the north near Lavelle. Photos taken 09/18/04.
The next interchange joins Highridge Park Road with Interstate 81 at Exit 119. The partial-cloverleaf interchange opened around 2000. Photo taken 09/18/04.
Highridge Park Road serves the villages of Gordon 2.25 miles to the northwest and Heckscherville 2.5 miles to the southeast. Photo taken 09/18/04.
Interstate 81 northbound mileage sign for Frackville (junction Pennsylvania 61 / former U.S. 122) and Hazelton posted ahead of Exit 119. Photo taken 09/18/04.
The one-mile guide sign for Highridge Park Road (Exit 119) on Interstate 81 northbound. Highridge Park Road in conjunction with SR-4007 provides an alternate route to Pennsylvania 61 and the city of Ashland to the north. Photo taken 09/18/04.
Exit 119 leaves Interstate 81 northbound for Highridge Park Road. Use Highridge Park Road east to Heckscherville Road south for a back route into Minersville. Photo taken 09/18/04.
Frackville and the Exit 124 interchange with Pennsylvania 61 (Lehigh Avenue) lies five miles to the northeast of Highridge Park Road. Photo taken 09/18/04.
A full-cloverleaf interchange joins Pennsylvania 61 (Lehigh Avenue) with Interstate 81 at Exit 124. The state highway constitutes a four-lane divided highway from Schuylkill Haven and Pottsville north to junction Interstate 81 at Frackville. The corridor is heavily traveled as it provides the main route between Reading, Pottsville, and Ashland. Photo taken 09/18/04.
Pennsylvania 61 follows all of the former U.S. 122 corridor between Reading and Sunbury in east central Pennsylvania. U.S. 122 saw decommissioning in 1963 between Morgantown and Sunbury. Pennsylvania 61 however remains as an important corridor through the mountain towns of Shamokin, Mount Carmel, Ashland, Frackville, Saint Clair, Pottsville, and Hamburg. Photo taken 09/18/04.
Text button copy sign for Exit 124A and Pennsylvania 61 southbound to St. Clair. St. Clair lies six miles to the south along the Pennsylvania 61 corridor between Frackville and Pottsville. Pottsville is only seven miles south of Interstate 81 at Exit 124. Photo taken 09/18/04.
Original text button copy overheads remain in use at the Exit 124A/B cloverleaf interchange of Interstate 81 northbound. Pennsylvania 61 interchanges with Interstate 78 24 miles to the south and reaches the city of Reading in 41 miles. Photo taken 09/18/04.
Exit 124B leaves Interstate 81 northbound for Pennsylvania 61 (Lehigh Avenue) north into Frackville. The state highway enters downtown Frackville and turns west along Oak Street at junction Pennsylvania 924. Pennsylvania 924 ventures north from there to Shenandoah as Pennsylvania 61 ascends toward Fountain Springs and Ashland. Photo taken 09/18/04.
Interstate 81 northbound reassurance shield and mileage sign. Wilkes-Barre debuts for the first time as the northbound control city. Hazelton is referenced along Interstate 81 due to its proximity to the junction with Interstate 80. Photos taken 09/18/04.
Interstate 81 travels east from Frackville seven miles to junction Pennsylvania 54 near Mahanoy City. Pennsylvania 54 parallels Interstate 81 to the north from Girardville, Gilberton, and Mahanoy City to Exit 131. Photo taken 09/18/04.
Exit 131A (Pennsylvania 54 east) serves Locust Lake State Park, Tuscarora State Park, and the town of Tamaqua via connections with Pennsylvania 309. Photo taken 09/18/04.
One mile west of the partial-cloverleaf interchange with Pennsylvania 54 at Exit 131. Pennsylvania 54 enters Mahanoy City 1.75 miles west of Interstate 81. The state route reaches East Mahanoy Junction in four miles and Hometown in 7.5 miles. Pennsylvania 309 intersects Pennsylvania 54 in Hometown just two miles north of Tamaqua. Photo taken 09/18/04.
Exit 131A departs Interstate 81 northbound for Pennsylvania 54 east to Barnesville, Hometown, and Tamaqua. Pennsylvania 54 ends 16.5 miles to the east at junction U.S. 209 in Nesquehoning. Photo taken 09/18/04.
A text button copy overhead guides northbound motorists onto the Exit 131B loop ramp for Pennsylvania 54 west. Pennsylvania 54 enters Shenandoah in six miles and Ashland (junction Pennsylvania 61) in 14.5 miles. The western terminus of the state route occurs at U.S. 15 near South Williamsport and Montgomery. Photo taken 09/18/04.
A diamond interchange serves the village of Delano at Exit 134 on Interstate 81. Intersecting the freeway there is Grier Avenue. Photo taken 09/18/04.
One-mile guide sign for Exit 134 and Delano posted on Interstate 81 north. Grier Avenue continues two miles south from Delano to junction Pennsylvania 54 at Park Crest. Photo taken 09/18/04.
Exit 134 leaves Interstate 81 northbound for Grier Avenue at Delano. Grier Avenue departs Delano on a four-mile drive west to 8th Street and Pennsylvania 54 (Centre Street) in Mahanoy City. Photos taken 09/18/04.
Pennsylvania 309 (Silverbrook Road) comes into play at the Exit 138 trumpet interchange with Interstate 81 near McAdoo. A short access road stems east from the freeway to Main Street and Silverbrook Road just south of McAdoo Heights. Pennsylvania 309 parallels the Interstate 81 corridor from McAdoo northward to Wilkes-Barre. The former U.S. highway carries traffic eight miles north from Tamaqua to Interstate 81. Photo taken 09/18/04.
Interstate 81 northbound at the Exit 138 off-ramp for the Pennsylvania 309 Connector south of McAdoo. Pennsylvania 309 (Silverbrook Road) travels a four-lane divided highway between Tamaqua, Hometown, and McAdoo in eastern Schuylkill County. The state route provides a main route between Allentown northwest to Hazelton. Photos taken 09/18/04.
Interstate 81 travels north-south between McAdoo and junction Interstate 80 in southern Luzerne County. The mountainous terrain offers a generous rock cut on the approach to Pennsylvania 424 (Hazelton Chamber of Commerce Beltway). Photos taken 09/18/04.
Three interchanges serve the mountain city of Hazelton along Interstate 81 northbound. Hazelton lies at the crossroads of Pennsylvania 309 (former U.S. 309) and Pennsylvania 93 to the south of the Interstate 80 & 81 junction. Exits 141, 143, and 145 serve the Hazleton and West Hazleton area. Photo taken 09/18/04.
Pennsylvania 424 (Hazelton Chamber of Commerce Beltway) was constructed in 1999 and opened in 2000 as an at-grade roadway between Interstate 81 (Exit 141) and Pennsylvania 93 (New Coxeville Road). The state highway intersects Pennsylvania 309 (Church Street) at Mount Laurel and Poplar Street south of the Hazleton street grid. Photo taken 09/18/04.
The eastbound beginning of Pennsylvania 424 (Hazelton Chamber of Commerce Beltway) departs Interstate 81 northbound at Exit 141. Pennsylvania 424 also serves the communities of Audenried, Tresckow, and Beaver Meadows to the south and southeast of Hazleton. Pennsylvania 93 continues southeast from Pennsylvania 424 to U.S. 209 for traffic destined to Jim Thorpe, Lehighton, and Interstate 476 (Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeastern Extension). Photo taken 09/18/04.
Pennsylvania 924 (Can Do Expressway) interchanges with Interstate 81 west of downtown Hazelton at Exit 143. The state route continues southwest from the city to Humboldt, Sheppton, Brandonville, Shenandoah, and Frackville. Pennsylvania 924 ends at the intersection of 15th and Church (Pennsylvania 309) Streets in north Hazelton. Photo taken 09/18/04.
One half mile south of the partial-cloverleaf interchange with Pennsylvania 924 (Can Do Expressway). The state highway constitutes a four-lane divided higwhay ebtween Exit 143 and Pennsylvania 93 (Broad Street) & Diamond Avenue at the Hazelton city line. Photo taken 09/18/04.
Exit 143 leaves Interstate 81 northbound for Pennsylvania 924 (Can Do Expressway). Pennsylvania 924 migrates 6.3 miles southwest to Sheppton from Exit 143. Use Pennsylvania 924 south also for the Eagle Rock Ski Resort in the Blue Mountains four miles to the west. Photo taken 09/18/04.
Pennsylvania 93 (Susquehanna Boulevard) interchanges with Interstate 81 northwest of Hazelton and West Hazelton at Exit 145. Susquehanna Boulevard ties into the freeway at Sugar Loaf Road and the Penn State Campus at Hazelton. Photo taken 09/18/04.
A partial-cloverleaf interchange facilitates the movements between Pennsylvania 93 (Susquehanna Boulevard) and Interstate 81 near West Hazelton. Susquehanna Boulevard carries the state highway north from Pennsylvania 924 (15th Street) and North Broad Street. Photo taken 09/18/04.
Traffic to Pennsylvania 93 (Susquehanna Boulevard) departs Interstate 81 at Exit 145. Pennsylvania 93 travels four miles north from downtown Hazelton to Exit 145. The state highway continues four miles northwest through Conyngham and Sybertsville to junction Interstate 80 (Exit 256). Photo taken 09/18/04.
Interstate 81 leaves Hazelton for the Nescopeck River Valley. Pictured here are scenes along the northbound drive between mileposts 145 and 148. Photos taken 09/18/04.
The first sign of the impending interchange with Interstate 80 (Exits 151A/B) is a truck route guide sign for New England bound traffic. According to this sign and others like it, truckers should take Interstate 81 north to Interstate 84 east for all points north and east of New York City. Signs such as this are found as far south as Virginia. Photo taken 09/18/04.
Interstate 80 and 81 cross paths in a rural setting near the village of Drums in southern Luzerne County. The two see a directional cloverleaf interchange at Exit 151 of Interstate 81 and Exit 260 of Interstate 80. Known initially as the Keystone Shortcut, Interstate 80 straddles the northern part of the state through small cities such as Clarion, Sharon, DuBois, Bloomsburg, Milton, and Stroudsburg. Photo taken 09/18/04.
Drawing to within one mile of the Exit 151A/B off-ramps for Interstate 80 on Interstate 81 north. Interstate 80 travels well south of the Scranton and Wilkes-Barre areas betwen Bloomsburg and Stroudsburg. The freeway however serves the cities and the Pocono Mountains via connections with Interstates 81 and 380. Photos taken 09/18/04.
Traffic to Mountain Top is advised to take Interstate 80 east from Exit 151A to Exit 262. Pennsylvania 309 interchanges with Interstate 80 at Exit 262 near Edgewood nine miles to the southwest of Mountain Top. Photo taken 09/18/04.
Exit 151B leaves Interstate 81 northbound for Interstate 80 west to Berwick, Bloomsburg, and Milton. The freeway acts as a conduit between Cleveland, Ohio and New York City, New York within the Keystone State. With that stated, Interstate 80 reaches Bloomsburg in 28 miles and Youngstown, Ohio in 268 miles. Stroudsburg lies 45 miles to the east. Photo taken 09/18/04.
