MIDDLE SMITHFIELD TOWNSHIP - The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) announced today the Marshalls Creek Park-and-Ride Project in Middle Smithfield Township, Monroe County, will begin Monday (March 30).

“This is another step in addressing traffic concerns in the Village of Marshalls Creek,” District Executive Michael W. Rebert, P.E. said. "The next step is the roadway portion of the Marshalls Creek Traffic Relief Project, which will provide a new two-lane US 209 around the busy intersection of Routes 209 and 402 in Marshalls Creek. We are finishing the roadway design and estimate construction to begin early next year.”

The 418-space Park-and-Ride will be built adjacent to the Pocono Bazaar on US Route 209 just north of the Village of Marshalls Creek. PennDOT is building the lot, which will be illuminated and maintained by PennDOT’s Monroe County Maintenance forces, to help reduce traffic volume on US 209 by encouraging ride sharing by Pocono area commuters.

Also included in this project is work to complete the relocation of Oak Grove Drive to the east side of the Bazaar so it aligns with Mt. Nebo Road at a new signalized intersection with US 209. Improvements to Oak Grove Drive also include construction of a new bridge over Pond Creek, located north of US 209.

Work on the project, which will require the closure and detour of exiting Oak Grove Drive as well as occasional off-peak lane closures on US 209, is expected to be completed by year’s end. All schedules are weather dependent.

Leeward Construction, Inc. of Honesdale, Pa. is the general contractor on the $6.36 million project.

For more information, please visit the project website, www.marshallscreektrafficrelief.com .