Bald eagle nest discovery halts I-80 expansion project in the Poconos

Archaeologists searching for traces of a Revolutionary War-era fort in Stroudsburg have made an unexpected discovery that could affect major highway expansion plans — a bald eagle nest located along the Interstate 80 corridor.

The large nest, believed to belong to a bald eagle, was found during excavations on private property where researchers were investigating the possible site of the original Fort Hamilton.

Federal guidelines require a 660-foot buffer zone around active bald eagle nests that restricts construction activity to protect the federally protected species.

Early review indicates the buffer zone may extend into Stroud Township and overlap with Phase 1 of the Federal Highway Administration and PennDOT’s I-80 expansion project plans , according to a news release from Penns