Media & Public Relations

KING OF PRUSSIA, PA (OCT. 14, 2009) — The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission cautions motorists that an 11-mile stretch of the toll road will be closed in both directions for six hours this weekend between Mid-County (Exit #20) and Lansdale (Exit #31) on I-476 to allow a contractor to place overhead beams for a new bridge carrying DeKalb Pike (Route 202) over the Turnpike’s Northeastern Extension in Whitpain Township, Montgomery County.

Beginning at 12:01 a.m. on Sunday, Oct. 18 all southbound traffic will be diverted off at the Lansdale Interchange. Motorists intending to travel north from I-276 will be instructed to exit at the Fort Washington Interchange to re-enter I-476 at Lansdale. The Turnpike will re-open by 6 a.m. Sunday morning.

Preparations for the closure will begin Saturday, Oct. 17 at 10 p.m. when local traffic will be restricted to one-lane on DeKalb Pike and 11 p.m. on I-476, approximately 7 miles south of the Lansdale Interchange. Motorists should expect slow-moving traffic when approaching the construction area (milepost A23) until traffic is fully restored at 6 a.m.

Pennsylvania State Police and Turnpike personnel will be positioned at the Lansdale, Mid-County, and Norristown Interchanges to assist motorists. The Turnpike Highway Advisory Radio (HAR) will be activated, and motorists can tune to 1640AM for detour information and traffic conditions. Changeable message signs are currently in place to provide the traveling public with updated information regarding closures and detours. Motorists are encouraged to plan their travel accordingly. For emergencies, dial *11 on your mobile phone.

MOTORISTS CAN TAKE THE FOLLOWING DETOURS:

Traveling southbound on I-476 EXIT at Lansdale Interchange (Exit #31) - turn left onto Sumneytown Pike and at the 2nd light turn left onto Forty Foot Road (SR 63-east). Travel 1.5 miles and turn right onto Welsh Road (SR 63-east) to US Route 309-south and enter the Ft. Washington Interchange to travel PA I-276 to:

• East to Philadelphia and NJ
• West to Harrisburg & I-476 south (Blue Route) to I-76 and I-95 exiting the Turnpike at the Mid-County (Exit #20) Interchange to continue southbound on I-476.

Traveling northbound on I-476 (Blue Route) from I-76 and I-95 to continue northbound on the Northeast Extension – all traffic will enter the Turnpike at the Mid-County Toll Plaza and continue eastbound on I-276 to the Fort Washington (Exit #339) Interchange. Exit the Turnpike and travel north on Route 309. Turn left on Welsh Road (Route 63-west) and follow the signs to re-enter I-476 at the Lansdale Interchange.

Traveling east or west on I-276 to travel north on the Northeast Extension – all traffic will exit the Turnpike at the Fort Washington (Exit #339) Interchange and travel north on Route 309. Turn left on Welsh Road (Route 63-west) and follow the signs to re-enter I-476 at the Lansdale Interchange.

In the case of high winds and lightening the closure will be rescheduled. The Pennsylvania Turnpike urges the motoring public to stay alert and travel at posted speed limits through all work zones. Speed limits will be enforced and fines increased. For more information please visit www.paturnpike.com or call the project hotline at 1-877-855-2545 on a 24-hour basis, Sunday through Saturday.

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