PennDOT working to repair Rt. 30 after roadway collapse caused by pipe failure
DOWNINGTOWN, Pa. (WPVI) -- PennDOT crews are hard at work making repairs on Route 30 after a large part of the road collapsed in Downingtown, Chester County.
The problem has been causing travel nightmares in the area between Route 113 and Wallace Avenue.
"It's crazy because it goes down to one single lane," said Grace Matters from Coatesville. "Then people don't want to merge. They don't know how to zipper."
PennDOT says they've learned this was the result of pipe failure, not a sinkhole.
Chopper 6 was over the construction on Tuesday, where you could see crews have dug out the area.
The hole opened up in the center median back in February.
"Traffic on Route 30 is a nightmare to begin with so it just makes it even better," said Jim from Downingtown.
"I used to work for a water utility and a job like that we would do at night, like after midnight, and be off the road by 6am," said Tom Alberici from Downingtown.
PennDOT says crews will be working 24/7.
While crews are repairing the road, officials warn drivers to expect some massive delays.
The left lane will be closed for the next week, so drivers need to schedule extra time to get through the area. Action News also saw some traffic bleed over into Downingtown.
"You can walk through town and tell instantly when something is going on up at the bypass because this is the go-to detour for everybody," said Mayor Phil Dague.
"Delays and the traffic is slowing down a little bit," said Whitney Davis, from Lancaster.
Mayor Dague is urging drivers to plan ahead and be patient.
"It's a major route through this region and when it's taken out of play or it's hindered like it is right now, communities like downtown are going to suffer a little bit," he said.
Keep in mind too, all of this work is weather dependent. So, while it's scheduled to be doneon March 24, there's always a chance it could take longer.
