Contact:

Thomas A. Fox
(724) 755-5260, (724) 755-5142 fax
e-mail: tfox@paturnpike.com

December 5, 2008

The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission will be closing the Turnpike to eastbound traffic between Butler Valley (Exit #39) and Allegheny Valley (Exit #48) interchanges beginning midnight Saturday December 6, 2008 through 5:00 a.m. Sunday December 7, 2008; weather permitting. The closure is needed to complete an emergency roadway repair at MP 47.1 eastbound. A deep inlet will be repaired in the middle of the shifted lanes of the Allegheny River Bridge and associated roadway realignment project. Crews need the road closure to safely excavate from a portion of both eastbound lanes. Once the work is completed, the Turnpike will open to traffic.

Message boards will be placed to inform customers of the eastbound closure and Highway Advisory Radio (HAR) broadcasts also are being used to inform travelers of the situation.

Eastbound drivers heading to the Harmarville area will be advised to exit at Butler Valley (Exit #39) and take Pa. Route 8 North to Pa. Route 910 East to Freeport Road. Expect higher traffic volumes on these roads during the detour.

Information about alternate routes will be available at the Butler Valley Interchange (Exit #39).

* Large Trucks and 102" restricted units to exit at Cranberry and take I-79 South to I-279 South to I-376 East and re-enter at the Pittsburgh Interchange (Exit #57).

Westbound traffic on the Turnpike between Allegheny Valley and Butler Valley interchanges will not be affected.

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