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

Contact:  

Kathy Liebler, 717-939-9551, Ext. 2840

April 26, 2001

URGENT TRAVEL ADVISORY/MEDIA ALERT:
Tractor-Trailer/Tuscarora Tunnel Accident 
Causes Turnpike Shutdown Between Interchanges 13 and 14

Motorists traveling the Pennsylvania Turnpike, eastbound and westbound, are advised that the Turnpike is closed to traffic between Interchange 13, Ft. Littleton and Interchange 14, Willow Hill in Franklin and Huntingdon counties.   Cars traveling westbound are being detoured off the Willow Hill Exit, at milepost 188.6.  Cars traveling eastbound are being detoured at Ft. Littleton at milepost 179.

Alternate route directional cards will be distributed at the interchanges.

Commercial vehicles are being diverted along different routes to ensure connections with interstate highways.  Trucks traveling westbound are being detoured off the Interchange 16, Carlisle Interchange to connect with Interstate 81, while trucks traveling eastbound are being detoured at Interchange 12 Breezewood to connect with Interstates 70 and US 30.

The closure is due to a 7:15 a.m. accident when a tractor-trailer, traveling eastbound, crashed into the wall of the westbound portal of the Tuscarora Tunnel causing a fire and damage to the roadway and tunnel.    Until damage assessments are completed, Turnpike officials, at this time, cannot determine the length of time the roadway will be closed.

Updates will be provided.

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