Bridge work caused a lane closure on southbound Interstate 79 through the morning rush hour, backing up traffic for miles.

PennDOT spokesman Steve Cowan said sealing work on a bridge deck occurred overnight, but the sealant did not cure as quickly as anticipated, forcing the contractor to block a lane. Traffic was backed from the Parkway West interchange to beyond the Neville Island Bridge.

"We can't allow motorists to drive over the sealed decks until cured," he said.

The restriction was to be lifted around 8:30 a.m., Mr. Cowan said.

First Published: October 28, 2014, 12:42 p.m.