SR83-079: Transforming a Critical Corridor in Harrisburg

The SR83-079 project represents one of the most significant infrastructure investments in the Harrisburg region in recent years. Valued at $155 million and spanning four years, the project is being delivered by New Enterprise Stone & Lime Co., Inc. (NESL) as prime contractor. At the time of contract award, it was the largest active construction project in PennDOT District 8 and remains one of the largest projects in NESL’s history.

Project Overview

Located within the City of Harrisburg, the project extends approximately two miles along the SR83 corridor, which carries more than 135,000 vehicles per day. The scope of work includes the construction of new northbound lanes on SR83, widening and reconstruction of several cross streets, and significant interchange improvements.

Key interchange modifications include:

Construction of a new interchange at Cameron Street
Reconstruction of the existing partial interchange at 19th Street
Removal of the existing interchange at 13th Street

Major structural work includes:

Replacement of a one-span and two-span bridge with a new three-span bridge at 29th Street
Replacement of a two-span bridge with a one-span bridge at 19th Street
Replacement of a one-span bridge with a two-span bridge at 19th Street
Removal of a three-span bridge and replacement with embankment along SR83

In addition, the project involves construction of five retaining walls, including one retaining wall with a structure-mounted sound barrier, two ground-mounted sound barriers, two moment slabs with toe walls, and three sediment basins. Roadway improvements include placement of more than 100,000 tons of asphalt paving, installation of four overhead sign structures, guiderail, drainage systems, highway lighting, traffic signals, and other miscellaneous construction.

Drainage and Utility Infrastructure

Drainage improvements are a major component of the project. Work includes installation of multiple jack-and-bore pipe crossings ranging from 30 to 60 inches in diameter, totaling more than 1,500 linear feet. Additional drainage features include:

Construction of a dual 48-inch concrete pipe system approximately 3,000 linear feet in length at an average depth of 30 feet, utilizing engineered shotcrete and soil nail shoring
Installation of multiple deep drainage pipe runs exceeding 30 feet in depth
Construction of an outlet structure for a 60-inch drainage pipe discharging into a nearby stream

The project requires coordination with more than 20 utilities and incorporates the work of over 50 subcontractors, underscoring the complexity and collaborative nature of the effort.

Schedule and Traffic Constraints

Construction began in October 2023 and is scheduled for completion on October 12, 2027. Due to the high traffic volumes and critical nature of the corridor, several strict schedule constraints govern bridge and ramp detours:

29th Street Bridge: 501 calendar days allowable detour
19th Street Bridge: 399 calendar days allowable detour
19th Street Ramps: 542 calendar days allowable detour
13th Street Ramps: 140 calendar days allowable detour

These constraints require detailed planning and phased construction to minimize impacts to the traveling public.

Notable Achievements and Challenges

The SR83-079 project includes several complex and noteworthy accomplishments:

Approximately 600,000 cubic yards of Class 1 excavation
Successful implosion demolition of two existing bridges over SR83, each completed within an eight-hour detour window
Construction of new bridges at 29th Street over SR83 and the Norfolk Southern Railroad
Construction of new bridges at 19th Street over both SR83 and the Norfolk Southern Railroad
Over 100 controlled rock blasts performed during daytime operations with detailed traffic control on SR83 and adjacent roadways
Construction over two of the busiest Norfolk Southern rail lines on the East Coast while maintaining uninterrupted train operations
Containment and treatment of contaminated water within the work zone

A Landmark Project for NESL

The SR83-079 project exemplifies NESL’s ability to successfully manage large-scale, technically demanding infrastructure improvements in high-traffic urban environments. With extensive structural work, deep drainage systems, complex utility coordination, and rigorous schedule constraints, the project reflects the company’s commitment to safety, quality, and collaboration.

As construction progresses toward its 2027 completion, SR83-079 will deliver long-term improvements in safety, capacity, and connectivity for one of central Pennsylvania’s most heavily traveled corridors.