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DUNMORE — The failure of a bolt-strength test will cause an expected lane split on Interstate 81 North and the closure on SR 315 to be postponed until next week.

According to a news release:

“In order to ensure the highest level of public safety, PennDOT conducts a bolt-strength test on the Jersey barrier that is placed in a construction project. Because the barrier that is placed on the bridge at mile marker 175 is designed to prevent cars from going off the road onto a dangerous drop-off, the bolts holding the barrier to the bridge must meet rigorous strength standards. In order to test the bolts, they are drilled in place with an epoxy material and 24 hours later they are tested by applying a pull-test, to measure how much pressure is needed to break them or pull them out. In the test that was done last night, numerous bolts failed. As a result, in the interest of public safety, the bolts are being removed and new bolts will be installed. The new bolts must then remain in place for 24 hours before we conduct another strength test.”

The strength test on the new bolts will be completed by Friday night, but PennDOT has decided to postpone the closure until Monday because of the expected increase of motorists over the Columbus Day weekend.

A single lane closure on Interstate 81 North near mile marker 173 in order to set four beams on the bridge that goes over Westminster Road will continue tonight as scheduled.

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By Times Leader