Motorists traveling through northern Schuylkill County on Wednesday should prepare for road closures, parking restrictions, and traffic delays as funeral services are held for Pennsylvania State Police Trooper First Class Michael E. Pahira Jr.
According to PennDOT, Route 61 will experience sporadic full closures on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, between Lehigh Avenue in Frackville Borough and Lavelle Road in Locustdale, Butler Township due to funeral services and the procession honoring Trooper Pahira.
The closures are expected to take place between 6:00am and 4:00pm. PennDOT says traffic will be detoured using Route 924, Main Street, Route 54, and Route 61. Motorists are asked to use caution, expect delays, and allow extra travel time.
Local police departments have also announced additional closures and parking restrictions along the funeral procession route.
Frackville Borough
The Frackville Police Department has announced there will be no parking on both sides of the following streets:
- Third Street from Spring Street to Oak Street
- Washington Street from Fourth Street to Second Street
Police say traffic will be completely shut down between Frackville Borough and North Schuylkill schools around 6:45am.
Butler Township
The Butler Township Police Department announced no parking on both sides of Maple Street in the Cresswell Gardens section of the township from 6:00am to 8:00am. The restriction will allow Pennsylvania State Police room for their detail during the services.
Butler Township Police also advised that traffic will be shut down around 6:45am between Frackville Borough and North Schuylkill schools and again around 12:30pm from North Schuylkill schools toward Ashland Borough.
Police noted that times are subject to change since the funeral procession is a Pennsylvania State Police function.
Ashland Borough
The Ashland Police Department has announced no parking will be permitted Wednesday from 7:00am to 3:00pm in the following areas:
- Hoffman Boulevard
- Centre Street from Hoffman Boulevard to 25th Street
- South 25th Street
Any vehicles remaining in the restricted areas may be towed.
Residents and visitors planning to attend or line the procession route are encouraged to arrive early, follow posted restrictions, and obey directions from law enforcement and emergency personnel.