LANCASTER, PA — A long-planned infrastructure overhaul will soon bring a major traffic shift to the City of Lancaster, as officials prepare to shut down a key stretch of South Duke Street for nearly three months starting in early January.
City officials said South Duke Street will undergo a long-term closure beginning Monday, January 5, to allow crews to install stormwater separation piping, utility structures, and temporary paving restorations. The closure is expected to remain in place through March 31, significantly altering traffic patterns in and out of the city.
Under the detour plan, southbound traffic will be rerouted via Church Street, South Lime Street, East King Street, and South Broad or Chesapeake Street. Northbound drivers will be directed to use Chesapeake Street, South Queen Street, and Church Street. While local access will be maintained in portions of the closure zone, through traffic will not be permitted, and motorists are urged to follow posted detour and project signage.
City officials said the work is a critical phase of the broader South Duke Street improvement project, a multi-year effort designed to modernize aging infrastructure while improving safety and accessibility. In addition to stormwater separation, the project includes curb and sidewalk reconstruction, ADA-compliant curb ramps, a shared-use pathway, upgraded highway lighting, traffic signal improvements, new paving, signage, pavement markings, and the installation of green infrastructure.
Completion of the overall South Duke Street project is anticipated in summer 2026.
With a prolonged closure set to affect one of Lancaster’s primary corridors, drivers are strongly encouraged to plan ahead and stay informed. For real-time traffic conditions, detour updates, and travel impacts across the region, readers should visit the MyChesCo Traffic Center before heading into or around the city.
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