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New Traffic Pattern Coming to I-80 East Stroudsburg

As part of the ongoing improvements at Exit 308 in East Stroudsburg, drivers should be aware of a key traffic shift beginning in December. This change is necessary to allow crews to safely set the beams for the new Prospect Street bridge and construct west bound roadway of Interstate 80.

Here’s what to expect:

• Eastbound traffic will be shifted onto the newly constructed lanes.

• Westbound traffic will temporarily cross over and use the original eastbound lanes.
• Exit 308 (East Stroudsburg) will remain fully accessible in both directions.

This traffic adjustment marks an important milestone in a multi-year infrastructure project aimed at modernizing and enhancing the safety and flow of one of Monroe County’s busiest interchanges.

Originally constructed in 1970 as part of the Eisenhower Interstate System, the I-80 corridor in Stroudsburg was built to outdated standards that no longer meet today’s traffic demands. Short on- and off-ramps, narrow lanes, and limited capacity have created challenges for local commuters and travelers alike. The Exit 308 project directly addresses these concerns with:

• Widened and lengthened ramps for safer merging and exiting;
• New stone-finished roundabouts to improve traffic flow and create a welcoming gateway into East Stroudsburg;
• Expanded lanes on both I-80 and Prospect and Brown Streets, improving access to East Stroudsburg University and Lehigh Valley Hospital–Pocono;
• Upgraded water, sewer, and utility infrastructure;
• New drainage systems, retaining walls, and sound barriers.

With more than half the project already completed, this update includes the Prospect Street bridge and over 10,000 feet of new drainage installed. The next phase will focus on finalizing the bridge, widening the remaining lanes, and constructing the roundabouts.

The project remains on schedule and is expected to be completed by late 2027.

I want to thank residents, commuters, and businesses for their continued patience as PennDOT, and its partners work toward delivering a more efficient transportation corridor for our region.

Increased Funding for Libraries Passed in Budget

The recently enacted state budget includes a $5 million boost to support Pennsylvania’s 474 public libraries (630 counting satellites like branches and bookmobiles), helping them serve adults, children and families across the commonwealth. The budget also increases funding for library services for the visually impaired and disabled, a program known as the Library of Accessible Media for Pennsylvanians (LAMP).

Since the first Pennsylvania library opened in 1731 (the Library Company of Philadelphia, founded by Benjamin Franklin), libraries have served as vital community resources. Today, they’re evolving to meet the needs of modern users, including the growth of digital lending options like the POWER Library.

Anyone interested in getting a library card can visit their local library or learn about the Statewide Library Card Program.

Look Out for Scams, Fraud and Theft During the Holiday Season

The holiday shopping season is prime opportunity for scams, fraud and theft. Some of the most common scams to be on the lookout for include bait-and-switch scams, skimming devices and fraudulent “cybersquatting” websites.

Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday offered several tips to prevent scammers from taking advantage when shopping online:

• Watch out for bait-and-switch scams, where a retailer lures customers with a low price — but then substitutes a product that either costs more or is less desirable. Also be alert for scammers, known as cyber-squatters, who use fraudulent internet domains that look and sound like legitimate brands or stores to trick unsuspecting customers.
• Be especially careful when paying for services or items with wire transfers, cryptocurrency or money orders. Scammers may also ask for payment for things like bills, parking tickets, etc. via a gift card, which is a big red flag — a gift card is not a normal payment method for these items.
• Do not provide your Social Security number or bank account information and be wary of emails and texts you didn’t request.
• Read the fine print. “Buy Now, Pay Later” services could have hidden fees or penalties in their agreements.

The Attorney General’s Office has set up a Scams Complaint Form residents can fill out should they encounter any scams. The FBI also provides tips on how to avoid holiday scams and identify skimming devices, which are estimated to cost consumers and financial institutions more than $1 billion per year.

Scenes from the 40^th District

This week’s photo is courtesy of Linda of East Stroudsburg, some incredible cloud formation! These photos have been shared on my social media and posted to the 40^th Senatorial District Photo Gallery.

Interested in showcasing your photography skills?

I am inviting residents of the 40^th Senatorial District to share their photography and help capture the beauty and character of our community. Whether it’s a stunning landscape, a lively community event, or a cherished historical landmark, I encourage you to submit photos that highlight the unique aspects of our district, which includes parts of Lackawanna and Wayne counties, and all of Monroe County.

Click here to submit your work and learn more.

Fishing Gift Vouchers, Licenses on Sale

Gift vouchers for your favorite angler, along with Pennsylvania fishing licenses and launch permits, are now available from the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission.

Items for the upcoming 2026 season can be purchased at HuntFish.pa.gov or by visiting one of nearly 700 retail license issuing agents. Licenses, permits and vouchers purchased now are valid immediately for up to 13 months, from Dec. 1^st, 2025, through Dec. 31^st, 2026.

While in-person retail purchases remain popular, online purchases can save time and help you avoid long lines, especially right before the spring trout season, which begins statewide on Saturday, April 4^th, 2026. Customers can choose an auto-renew option at the time of purchase.

December 7^th: Remembering a Day of Infamy

Each year on Dec. 7^th, we remember the 2,403 service members and civilians killed during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii in 1941. A further 1,178 people were injured in the attack, which permanently sank two U.S. Navy battleships and destroyed 188 aircraft.

We remember not just the surprise attack, but the steely resolve of Americans to do whatever it took to defeat the Axis forces of World War II. May we never forget their courage, their service, and the lessons of that day.

Lehigh Valley Health Network (Pocono) Tree Lighting Ceremony

Earlier this week, Lehigh Valley Hospital – Pocono, in partnership with Rotary Club of the Smithfields, held their 34th Annual Holiday Tree Lighting at the Hughes Cancer Center! What a special night for community togetherness in celebrating the holiday season!

Kristine from my office attended the lighting ceremony with her daughter, Scarlett!

Decorating the Harrisburg Capitol Building Christmas Tree

The 2025 Capitol Rotunda Christmas Tree is currently being decorated down in Harrisburg! The most beautiful capitol building in the country always gets so much brighter during the holiday season. Thank you to all who are working on this breathtaking project.

Stay tuned for more final pictures when it is completed!

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