Media & Public Relations

KING OF PRUSSIA, PA (07/23/2009)(readMedia)-- The Pennsylvania Turnpike cautions motorists that a 24-mile stretch of the Northeastern Extension will be closed in both directions for six hours this weekend between Wyoming Valley (Exit #115) and Clarks Summit (Exit #131) to allow a contractor to demolish the bridge that carries Suscon Road (aka Bear Creek Drive) over the Turnpike in PittstonTownship, Luzerne County.

Beginning at 12:01 a.m. on Sunday, July 26, all northbound traffic will be diverted off at the Wyoming Valley Interchange. At the same time, all Turnpike traffic traveling south from Clarks Summit will be redirected to use southbound I-81. No traffic will be allowed to enter the system at Keyser Avenue Toll Plaza (Exit #121). The PA Turnpike will re-open by 6 a.m. Sunday.

Motorists exiting the Turnpike at the Wyoming Valley Interchanges, including E-ZPass customers, can request an alternate-route card at the tollbooth which provides directions to re-enter the Turnpike. The detour route on Interstate 81 is approximately 21 miles. Pennsylvania State Police and Turnpike personnel will help direct motorists.

All Southbound Turnpike Traffic at Clarks Summit will take Interstate 81 South to Exit #175A then follow State Route 315 South to re-enter the Turnpike at the Wyoming Valley Interchange (Exit #115). All Northbound Turnpike Traffic must exit at the Wyoming Valley Interchange (Exit #115) and take State Route 315 North to Interstate 81 North to Exit #175.

The bridge is located at milepost A115.33 (less than a mile north of Wyoming Valley and approximately 24 miles south of Clarks Summit). Once traffic is clear of the demolition zone, the contractor will have six hours to complete the demolition and clean-up.

The $2.6 million Suscon Road Bridge project was awarded to Susquehanna Valley Construction Co., New Cumberland, Pa. in May. Preparations for the demolition of the existing bridge began in June. On July 6, Suscon Road was closed to traffic and detours implemented. Work is proceeding according to schedule; the contractor anticipates the new bridge and wider roadway will open Nov. 20.

This work is weather sensitive and could be rescheduled in case of precipitation, high winds or lightning. All motorists traveling this stretch of turnpike are urged to use caution and remain alert for slow-moving or stopped traffic and to travel at posted speed limits through all highway work zone areas.

The Pennsylvania Turnpike is committed to distributing complete, accurate and consistent travel information and exceptional customer service. Motorists are encouraged to plan their travel accordingly - be in the know before you go and call 866.976.TRIP (8747). The Turnpike Highway Advisory Radio (HAR) will be activated and motorists can tune to 1640 AM for detour information and traffic conditions. For emergencies, dial *11 on your mobile phone.

Please visit www.paturnpike.com for project-related announcements and updates, including bridge-detour information.

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