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

Contact:  

Carl DeFebo, 717-939-9551, extension 2934 

May 12, 2000

URGENT TRAVEL ADVISORY
Pa. Turnpike Limited to Single Lane 
For Westbound Traffic Near Donegal
Motorists are being cautioned to avoid the area altogether.

Pennsylvania Turnpike officials are asking westbound motorists to consider an alternate route and avoid travelling between Exit 8 (New Stanton) and Exit 9 (Donegal). Construction crews have set up a single-lane pattern in that area for westbound traffic while roadway repairs are made as part of a total reconstruction project.

Officials anticipate long westbound delays this Mother’s Day weekend in the area, especially on Friday from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. Delays could be as long as one-and-a-half hours or longer during peak travel times.

Westbound motorists can exit at the Somerset Interchange (#10) where they will receive an alternate-route card with directions to get back onto the Turnpike at the Irwin Interchange (#7), or to travel to I-70 West.

Several other single-lane patterns will be in effect for the Mother’s Day weekend, including:

• A single-lane for eastbound traffic at milepost 191-198, which is between Exit 14 (Willow Hill) and 15 (Blue Mountain) due to a total roadway reconstruction project;
• Intermittent single-lane closures for both east and westbound traffic at milepost 111-117, which is between Exit 10 (Somerset) and Exit 11 (Bedford) for bridge demolition projects.

Motorists travelling on the Turnpike are urged to use caution, remaining alert for sudden traffic stoppages and to tune into the Turnpike’s Highway Advisory Radio system for traffic updates. Motorists are also reminded to turn on their headlights in construction zones and to use four-way flashers when approaching decelerating traffic. FOR MORE INFORMATION, CALL 1-800-331-3414.

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