Driving on I-78 between the Lehigh Street and Summit Lawn exits in Lehigh County can be a bit of a guessing game these days.
“The lines shift over a bit, and it gets confusing, especially in the rain. Like you can’t really see them,” said driver Tim Patterson.
PennDOT construction has shifted lanes, making it hard in spots to determine where one lane ends and another begins.
“People are slowing down because they fear they’re going to have an accident or something,” said Driver Tito Martinez.
PennDOT says it’s aware of the issue, but bad weather has kept crews from taking care of it.
“We have some line painting that needs to be done to sort of delineate where the lines are. And is aware of the issue with some of the old existing lines on there, trying to eradicate them,” said PennDOT Press Officer Sean Brown.
Brown says once there’s a stretch of good weather, crews will be out to fix the optical illusion of the lanes.
But until then, drivers should be extra cautious.
“Be observant. Make sure you’re not distracted while driving. To really give your full attention to the roadway and what’s going on, because things do change, and it’s not typically what you’re used to,” said Brown.
For now, some drivers are taking preventative measures.
“I try to plan alternate routes. I try to go on back roads,” said Driver Emma Knoblach.
And taking the situation in stride.
“It’s like everything else, this too shall pass,” said Martinez.