The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission said it plans to hire an engineering firm as a next step in creating a beltway in the Scranton area to ease congestion on Interstate 81.

PITTSTON, Pa. (AP) The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission said it plans to hire an engineering firm as a next step in creating a beltway in the Scranton area to ease congestion on Interstate 81.

The commission announced it expects to issue a request for proposals this summer and have a firm on board by the end of the year.

The plan would link I-81 and the Turnpike's Northeastern Extension, Interstate 476.

It calls for highway-speed connections to enable motorists to seamlessly drive from interstate to interstate in northbound and southbound directions.

The Turnpike plans to introduce nonstop tolling at the connection points. Cash payers will use a system called “Toll By Plate” which generates an invoice that will be mailed to the owner.

Construction could start as soon as 2021, at an estimated cost of $160 million.

Today's top stories

New Bridges Part of Iowa's $114M Madison Avenue Project

Eagle Bridge Co. Works On Final Leg of U.S. 35 Upgrade

Fay Preps Way for Pittsburgh International Airport Modernization Project

SAKAI Achieves Record Sales, Production

Takeuchi Recognizes Top Dealers at 2024 Dealer Summit

Muddy Water Dredging Christens Marlin Class Dredge

Indiana Officials Mark Start of 2024 Construction Season, Promote Safety

Leica Geosystems Launches its First Machine Smart Antenna — Leica iCON gps 120