Media & Public Relations


COMMISSION NEWS RELEASE
Contact: Mimi Doyle
Phone: 610.239.4117
E-mail:mdoyle@paturnpike.com
December 4, 2009
Mid-Day Traffic Stoppages Continue on Northeastern Extension in Carbon County

Twenty-minute stoppages planned four days next week near Lehigh River Bridge
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 Dec. 7, 8, 9 and 10. The daytime stoppages will occur south of the Lehigh Tunnel and north of the Mahoning Valley Interchange (Exit #74).

State Police will stop traffic around noon Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday (Dec. 7-10) 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; and traffic entering the Northeastern Extension from Route 209 will be stopped at the toll plaza.

The general contractor, Walsh Construction, will suspend the excavation of the rock slope over the holidays after next week's scheduled work is completed and resume mid-January 2010. The demolition and 20-minute stoppages will then continue for several months Mondays though Thursdays between 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. to safely complete the rock-slope demolition without jeopardizing worker and motorist safety.

Motorists should continue to 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 and 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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