Media & Public Relations


COMMISSION NEWS RELEASE
Contact: Mimi Doyle
Phone: 610-239-4117
E-mail: mdoyle@paturnpike.com
March 12, 2010
New Express-Lane Pattern Begins Monday
on I-476 South of Mid-County
Southbound Express E-ZPass users alerted to new restrictions on exiting options.

The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission advises motorists traveling southbound on the Northeastern Extension (I-476) to be prepared for slow-moving or stopped traffic when exiting Mid-County Interchange (Exit #20) Sunday night, March 14 from 10 p.m. until 5 a.m. Monday morning when the two Express E-ZPass lanes in the center of the toll plaza will shut-down.

Motorists exiting the Northeastern Extension at the ramp to enter I-276 westbound may also experience delays due to the express-lane closures at the toll plaza. Six conventional E-ZPass and three cash lanes will remain open for exiting traffic.

The overnight closure will allow PennDOT construction crews ample time to safely perform work in the median area located on I-476 approximately .04 miles south of the toll plaza.

When the Express E-ZPass exit lanes reopen at 5 a.m. Monday morning (3/15) motorists exiting the toll plaza in the express lanes should stay alert for a new traffic pattern on southbound I-476. PennDOT will extend the Express Lane traffic pattern on I-476 when it moves one lane of southbound traffic to the opposite side of the highway. Once the express lane is shifted to the northbound side of I-476, motorists entering this four-mile express lane will not be able to access the I-76 off-ramps, the ramp to Route 23 (Conshohocken), and the ramp to Ridge Pike.

Drivers entering the Mid-County Toll Plaza from the Turnpike must exit to the right of the plaza to gain access to the southbound side of the highway if they want to exit at the I-76 Interchange (Exit 16). If motorists inadvertently enter the express lane DO NOT STOP OR BACK-UP. For your safety the Turnpike urges drivers to continue in the express lane to the next exit (#13) and reenter the Blue Route at U.S. Route 30 in Villanova. This pattern will remain in place for the rest of the year. The posted speed limit through the I-476 construction zone is 45 miles per hour.

For the next two weeks, motorists should proceed with caution traveling south of the interchange on the Blue Route and be prepared for lane closures and periodic stoppages. PennDOT will provide tow truck coverage within the construction area to assist motorists and quickly remove disabled vehicles from I-476. All work is weather sensitive and subject to change.

If the Turnpike's Highway Advisory Radio is activated, as indicated by yellow flashing lights, please tune to Radio 1640 AM for updates. Motorists can also get real-time Pa. Turnpike alerts by calling 866-976-8747 (TRIP). The toll-free, voice-activated TRIP line has frequent updates and provides targeted audio alerts for specific Turnpike sections.

The Pennsylvania Turnpike is committed to distributing complete and accurate travel information. Get Turnpike news releases, traffic bulletins and other information at www.paturnpike.com. Be in the know before you go, sign up online to become a Preferred Traveler.

 

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