Pennsylvania Legislators Demand Resolution to Route 611 Closure Conundrum

Road Closed

WASHINGTON, D.C. — In an open letter addressed to Pennsylvania’s Department of Transportation (PennDOT) and the National Park Service (NPS), U.S. Senators Bob Casey and John Fetterman, alongside U.S. Representatives Matt Cartwright and Susan Wild, have expressed their collective frustration over the long-term closure of Route 611 in Northampton and Monroe Counties.

The legislators’ grievance stems from the road’s ongoing closure, which has now surpassed a year. The shutdown was initially prompted by a rockslide along Mount Minsi in December 2022, triggered by heavy rains. The roadblock has since become a daily inconvenience for residents, businesses, and emergency vehicles, all of which have been forced to detour around the closure.

PennDOT has been attempting to secure the rock face and reopen the road. However, this operation requires an Emergency Special Use Permit from the NPS, which has yet to be granted. The NPS cites its legal obligations under several statutes, including the National Environmental Policy Act, the National Historic Preservation Act, the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, and the U.S. Department of Transportation Act of 1966.

The legislators’ letter highlights the growing impatience with the two agencies’ perceived inability to find a compromise. “The inability to find a path forward on the part of the two agencies has kept the road closed for over a year and become a burden on residents, businesses, commuters, and emergency vehicles,” the members wrote.

The continued closure of Route 611 is more than just a logistical inconvenience; it’s emblematic of a broader frustration with governmental bodies that appear unwilling or unable to work together effectively. This issue highlights the necessity for improved inter-agency communication and cooperation, particularly when public convenience and safety are at stake.

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The lawmakers concluded their letter with a call to action: “We emphasize our collective frustration over this situation and request both PennDOT and NPS come together and find a compromise that satisfies NPS’s statutory requirements, prioritizes safety, and reopens Route 611.”

The resolution of this issue could set a precedent for how government bodies address similar challenges in the future. It’s a test of their capability to negotiate bureaucratic red tape effectively, strike a balance between environmental stewardship and public convenience, and ultimately serve the best interests of Pennsylvanians.

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