Media & Public Relations


COMMISSION NEWS RELEASE
Contact: Mimi Lindelow
Phone: 610-239-4117
October 30, 2009
Mid-Day Traffic Stoppages Continue on Northeastern Extension in Carbon County

Twenty-minute stoppages planned for three days next week near Lehigh River Bridge.
KING OF PRUSSIA, PA (10/30/2009)(readMedia)-- The Pennsylvania Turnpike reports that motorists traveling northbound and southbound on the PA Turnpike's Northeastern Extension (I-476) will be stopped a maximum of 20 minutes at noon Nov. 3, 4 and 5. The stoppages will occur south of the Lehigh Tunnel and north of the Mahoning Valley Interchange (Exit #74).

The general contractor, Walsh Construction, continues to excavate the rock slope adjacent to the Lehigh River Bridge and will require the 20-minute stoppages to safely complete the rock-slope demolition without jeopardizing worker and motorist safety.

State Police will stop traffic, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday south of the Lehigh Tunnel at the Slatington Maintenance facility, milepost A70.1 (where Mountain Road crosses the Turnpike), just north of the Mahoning Valley Interchange; traffic entering the Northeastern Extension from Route 209 will be stopped at the toll plaza.

In addition to the stoppages next week, southbound motorists should be prepared for a left-lane closure Monday, Nov. 2 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. when traveling the 2.1-mile stretch between the Lehigh Tunnel and the Mahoning Valley Interchange.

The contractor anticipates the complete rock-slope excavation will take several months with additional stoppages to be conducted Mondays though Thursdays between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Motorists should anticipate traffic delays during the entire length of the project; to avoid delays seek alternate routes. The work is weather sensitive and may be delayed or rescheduled. Travel advisories will be posted on the project website at www.lehighbridge.com as needed.

The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission is committed to distributing complete, accurate and consistent travel information and providing exceptional customer service. Visit the PA Turnpike website at www.paturnpike.com for project updates. Be in the know before you go and call 866.976.TRIP (866.976.8747).
 

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