Press Releases

U.S. Rep. Matt Cartwright (PA-08), along with PA State Senator Rosemary Brown and PA State Representative Tarah Probst, today announced that the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) and the National Park Service (NPS) have reached a compromise when it comes to reopening Route 611 within the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area.

PennDOT officials said they expect it will take roughly eight to ten weeks to complete the project and get traffic flowing once permits are finalized. NPS confirmed the permitting process would be expedited because the project is temporary and not directly impacting resources.

“In my ongoing meetings with PennDOT, the National Park Service and the Federal Highway Administration - along with national, state and local public officials - we were able to find common ground that included prioritizing the opening of the road to traffic while keeping motorists safe,” Cartwright said.  “I am grateful for the partnership with Senator Rosemary Brown and Representative Tarah Probst’s offices, and the multi-level collaboration with National Parks, PennDOT, the Federal Highway Administration, and so many community officials who continued to show up and advocate for a solution.”

The agreed-upon plans include the installation of a temporary, free-standing rockfall barrier. This compromise, both agencies agree, will allow two-way traffic to flow while they continue working behind-the-scenes on a more permanent solution.

“This is a critical step in restoring accessibility and alleviating the hardships faced by our residents and businesses,” Brown said. “While this is a temporary fix, it is an important move towards a permanent resolution. I will continue to advocate for a comprehensive, long-term solution that balances all interests.”

"I want to extend my sincere gratitude and appreciation to Congressman Matt Cartwright for bringing all agencies and representatives together to come to a solution to re-open Route 611,” Probst said. “A year and half ago, we started working and trying to get this settled. Everything we wanted to do kept falling to the wayside, and it was frustrating not only for me, but most importantly, the residents who travel that road, the businesses that have suffered because of this closure, the emergency access being removed and the toll it has taken on other municipality roads. I am so glad that there is going to be a temporary fix that will come to a permanent solution, and everybody can get back to their normal lives. We can do better, we will do better, and I thank Congressman Cartwright for stepping in and helping to get this job done."

“This road improvement project marks an important path forward for the communities in my district,” said PA State Rep. Ann Flood. “From the start of the closure, I've been working hard and tirelessly advocating for this cause, because I understand the severe impact it has had on businesses and residents in Portland and surrounding areas. I am thrilled to see a resolution to this situation, which will bring long-awaited relief to our constituents.”

NPS officials said they are also pleased to have found a viable compromise “that will allow Route 611 to re-open, bringing much-needed relief to local businesses, residents and communities, including Portland, Slateford, Delaware Water Gap and others who have suffered greatly during this extended road closure while also protecting Mt. Minsi and the Delaware Water Gap from permanent damage. The opening of this road will take pressure off local communities while NPS, PennDOT and FHWA work on a pathway to permanent repairs along this important route.”

Route 611 in the Delaware Water Gap area has remained closed after heavy rains led to a rockslide along Mount Minsi in December of  2022. When re-opening the road hit an impasse due to statuary limitations faced by NPS and PennDOT, Cartwright convened the multi-level meetings between the agencies and elected officials in the affected region.

“Our intention was to hold an ongoing, open discussion on how we could mitigate the challenges the National Park Service and PennDOT faced regarding the reopening of Route 611. I am very pleased we were able to devise a cooperative strategy between both agencies that will provide much-needed relief to the people we serve,” Cartwright said.