Kathy Liebler
                        Director of Public Information

C   O   M   M   I   S   S   I   O   N                N   E   W   S             R   E   L   E   A   S   E   

Contact:  Kay Jenkins Rew, (610) 279-1645

Attention radio stations:
Broadcast actualities related to this
release can be obtained by calling TIBS,
the Turnpike's Information Broadcast Service
at 1-800-563-5425.)

TRAFFIC ADVISORY:
EXITING TRAFFIC PATTERNS SHIFT AS CONSTRUCTION ENTERS
NEW PHASE AT THE LEHIGH VALLEY INTERCHANGE

Philadelphia, PA -- The Pennsylvania Turnpike is advising motorists that on Thursday, February 25, exiting traffic at the Lehigh Valley Interchange (Exit #33) will shift to newly constructed lanes as the $10 million construction project enters it's next stage.

Rehabilitation and expansion of the interchange, located on the Northeastern Extension (I-476) at approximately milepost A-37, began a year ago. Civil Engineer Bernard T. Bydlon, P.E. said, "At this point, construction of the ramps, the bridge over U.S. Route 22, and the majority of the roadway, is complete. Additionally, a new toll plaza facility, and five lanes have been constructed. By the end of the project, there will be a total of 13 lanes at the interchange (nine exit and four entry lanes). The entire project also includes the construction of a canopy, utility building, and utility tunnel, the rehabilitation and connection to public sewer and water service lines, as well as roadway and plaza lighting."

The project is slated to be finished by the end of August.

DURING THIS STAGE OF CONSTRUCTION, MOTORISTS ARE URGED TO USE EXTRA CAUTION AS THEY EXIT THE LEHIGH VALLEY INTERCHANGE, AND TO BE AWARE OF CHANGING TRAFFIC PATTERNS.

 P.O. Box 67676, Harrisburg, PA 17106-7676         Phone: (717) 939-9551         Fax: (717) 986-9649