Media & Public Relations

PHILADELPHIA, PA - - Beginning Tuesday, May 19, truckers traveling southbound on the Turnpike's Northeast Extension will again be able to access the Hickory Run Service Plaza.

Construction and rehabilitation of the southbound service plaza parking lots, which began in February, will finish on schedule.

"We are pleased that despite 12 consecutive days of rain, the Hickory Run Service Plaza parking lot will be opening on schedule. It is just one of many improvements system-wide that will benefit Turnpike customers as our busy vacation season approaches," said Executive Director John Durbin.

The Hickory Run Service Plaza will be open to all vehicles from Monday, May 18 till Tuesday, September 8.

Closure of the northbound parking lots will begin after Labor Day, when "all" northbound traffic will be prohibited access from September 9 through September 30 and northbound trucks will be prohibited access to the service plaza from September 9 through October 30.

The Hickory Run Service Plaza, which is on the Turnpike's Northeast Extension (I-476), is located approximately eight miles south of Pocono Interchange (exit #35) in Carbon County.

The rehabilitation of the service plaza includes the reconstruction and expansion of the plaza's concrete and bituminous parking lots; installation of storm drainage, storm water management basins and oil/water separators; the reconstruction of the existing ramps; the lengthening of the southbound acceleration lane; installation of high mast and conventional lighting; and milling and overlaying a portion of the existing ramps. Concrete median barrier, guide rail, and signs are also being installed. Total cost for rehabilitation and expansion of the Hickory Run Service Plaza parking facilities is $4.6 million.

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