30/06/2025
Pennsylvania Route 61, often referred to as PA 61, is a state highway in Pennsylvania that spans approximately 81.8 miles. Despite its official north-south designation, the route primarily runs in a northwest-southeast direction. It begins in Reading, at an intersection with U.S. Route 222 Business, and extends northward to Shamokin Dam, where it connects with U.S. Route 11, U.S. Route 15, and PA 147.
Historically, PA 61 largely follows the path of the old Centre Turnpike, a road constructed in the early 19th century connecting Reading to Sunbury. In 1926, this segment became part of U.S. Route 120, which was later renumbered to U.S. Route 122 in 1935. Eventually, in 1963, U.S. Route 122 was decommissioned, and PA 61 was established along this route. The highway has seen various upgrades and realignments over the years.
One notable section of PA 61, located south of Centralia, was famously closed in 1993. This closure was due to damage caused by the ongoing Centralia mine fire, which has been burning underground since 1962. The fire led to ground subsidence and steam emissions, making the road unsafe. This particular abandoned stretch became known as the "Graffiti Highway" due to the significant amount of graffiti covering its surface, attracting tourists before it was eventually blocked off to public access and covered with dirt in 2020. A new bypass was constructed to reroute traffic around the affected area.
Throughout its course, PA 61 travels through diverse landscapes. From Reading, it heads north through Berks County, passing through Hamburg where it intersects with Interstate 78 and U.S. Route 22. It then enters the Coal Region in Schuylkill County, navigating through towns like Schuylkill Haven, Pottsville, Frackville (with an interchange for Interstate 81), and Ashland. Further north, it passes through the southern part of Columbia County, including the vicinity of Centralia, before entering Northumberland County and continuing through Mount Carmel, Kulpmont, Shamokin, and Sunbury. Finally, it crosses the Susquehanna River into Snyder County, reaching its northern terminus in Shamokin Dam.