Kathy Liebler
Manager, Public Affairs & Media Relations

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, Ext. 2934

February 21, 2002

 

TRAVEL ADVISORY:
Road Work Will Limit Turnpike to Single Lane Near Somerset

HARRISBURG, PA.  The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission today announced that sections of the roadway between the Allegheny Tunnel and the Somerset Interchange will be limited to a single lane early next week due to the start of a construction project.

The lane limitations — expected to be roughly 3-4 miles long — are scheduled as follows:

·        Monday, Feb 25: Westbound right lane closed from milepost 108.8-111. Expect single lane conditions to be in effect all day.

·        Tuesday Feb. 26: Eastbound right lane closed from milepost 114.5-118. Expect single-lane conditions to be in effect all day, except between 2 p.m.-7 p.m. when it will be restored to two lanes.

·        Wednesday, Feb. 27: Eastbound right lane closed from milepost 119.4-122. Expect single-lane conditions to be in effect all day, except between 2 p.m.-7 p.m. when it will be restored to two lanes.

Because most of the restrictions will be lifted during peak travel times, Turnpike officials do not anticipate major delays. However, motorists approaching Somerset on these days should be aware of the potential for slow-moving or stopped traffic that may occur in the event of an accident or breakdown in the single-lane pattern.

During these single-lane closures, construction crews plan to remove the existing pavement markings and paint new markings in preparation for the placement of temporary concrete barrier. Additional single-lane patterns will be necessary along this stretch of Turnpike from March 1-15 to allow for the actual positioning of the concrete barrier. 

The work is a part of the total reconstruction of the Turnpike between milepost 109-122 in Somerset County. The $94 million project involves a complete rebuild of the roadway. It marks the first time this section of Turnpike has been replaced from the ground up since it opened more than 61 years ago.

For up-to-date information, the Turnpike advises approaching motorists to tune car radios to 1640AM or 1610AM when so alerted by variable message signs. In addition, real-time traffic conditions are posted on the Turnpike website, www.paturnpike.com.

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