Despite warnings that it was coming, downtown drivers appear to have been caught by surprise by the closing of Pennsylvania Avenue for milling and paving.
Traffic was backed up in the northbound lane of the Hickory Street Bridge and on Market St. and the side streets Wednesday as motorists looked to find away around the closed avenue.
Compounding matters?
Dorcon Road is closed to traffic due to repairs being conducted on the railroad crossing near the Glade Bridge.
According to Warren Main Street Manager Jennifer Rossey, the milling and paving on Pennsylvania Ave. should be completed by next Friday, Sept. 17, "barring any unforeseen circumstances."
Rossey suggested motorists traveling downtown over the next two weeks try to change their routes.
"Basically, try to go around using the outer streets and be patient," Rossey said. "If you have to go downtown, great try to use the outer roads. And pay attention to the signs. If it says, 'road closed,' it does apply to you."
Rossey also asked motorists to be aware of their surroundings in heavy traffic areas.
"Don't block intersections," she said, "and watch for pedestrians."
