This major Harrisburg bridge needs emergency repairs that could affect your commute for weeks

A lane of Interstate 83 over the South Bridge in Harrisburg is being closed this afternoon for an emergency repair.

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation said the right lane and shoulder on southbound Interstate 83 on the bridge (John Harris Memorial Bridge) over the Susquehanna River between Dauphin and Cumberland counties will be closed today, Thursday, Nov. 13.

PennDOT said the closure is needed “so a contractor can perform emergency steel repairs under the bridge.”

Dave Thompson, community relations coordinator for PennDOT’s District 8 said, “During an inspection we discovered some deterioration that needs to be addressed. Taking the traffic off the area of concern will allow these repairs to be made.”

The closure will be between the Second Street on-ramp to southbound In