Route 611 closure almost two years later in Monroe County

DELAWARE WATER GAP, MONROE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — Nearly a year and a half after a landslide cut off a connecting route between Monroe and Northampton Counties, the closure continues to impact local businesses.

The PennDOT closure on Route 611 has been a major blow to local businesses in the community and even forced a couple of shops to close.

The Delaware Water Gap is a large tourist spot in the tri-state area with access to rafting and the Appalachian Trail.

The closure reduces visitor traffic for the inviting town.

One resident and business owner in the area wants PennDOT and the National Park Service to speed up the reconstruction process.

“Well, businesses in town are down in revenue 30% since this closure happened. Everybody from Northampton County that would normally go to Stroudsburg does not come through Delaware Water Gap anymore. They don’t stop here to get their coffee or their baked goods or hit any shops in town,” said Edge of The Woods Outfitters Owner Chuck Cooper.

Business owners like Chuck fear they will have another slow summer.

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