Media & Public Relations

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Contact:

Kay Rew
Media & Public Relations
Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission
(610) 292-3788
E-Mail: krew@paturnpike.com

October 16, 2006

PA TURNPIKE CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS CONTINUE: NEW TRAFFIC PATTERNS AND RESTRICTED LANES AT THE VALLEY FORGE INTERCHANGE

          Philadelphia, PA (October 16, 2006) – The PA Turnpike advises motorists that while some of the initial reconstruction of bridges crossing over the Turnpike between Norristown and Valley Forge has been completed, other phases of the Turnpike’s Six-lane Widening Project continues:

SIX LANE WIDENING OF THE ROADWAY FROM NORRISTOWN TO VALLEY FORGE OVERVIEW:

Now through November 2008: Roadway and bridge reconstruction between the Norristown and Valley Forge Interchanges, mileposts 331 to 326 in Chester and Montgomery Counties, as well as work on the Valley Forge Interchange ramps. Motorists can expect varying single lane patterns and occasional lane closures from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. as well as encountering temporary concrete barrier that will separate them from the construction zone. Lane width in construction areas shoots will be reduced from 12-feet to 11-feet 9-inches. TRAVEL DELAYS ARE TO BE EXPECTED.

VALLEY FORGE INTRCHANGE: Motorists should anticipate delays at the Valley Forge (Exit #326) Interchange into 2008. Lanes entering and exiting the Valley Forge Interchange are currently limited and traffic will be confined to two lanes between barrier approaching in this area. The westbound deceleration ramp at the Valley Forge Interchange is initially reduced from two lanes to one lane for approximately 4/10 of a mile before opening up to two lanes. Westbound exiting traffic requires an abrupt move from the right travel lane onto the deceleration ramp. A yield sign is positioned at the end of the westbound acceleration. The eastbound acceleration ramp entering the Turnpike is reduced to one lane at the split with a yield sign at the end of the ramp. Please note that the exiting eastbound deceleration ramp is shorter.

Additionally, the deceleration and acceleration ramps at the King of Prussia Service Plaza which are accessed through openings in the construction barrier, are shorter.
     
Motorists are advised to allow extra travel time when traveling through the construction areas and to consider alternate routes. Travel conditions and additional information about all of the Pennsylvania Turnpike’s construction projects can be found at www.paturnpike.com or go directly to www.sixlanewidening.com. Thank you for your patience.

Motorists are urged to slow down and use extra caution when approaching areas of construction. Increased penalties can occur in active construction zones.

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