Media & Public Relations


COMMISSION NEWS RELEASE
Contact: Carl DeFebo
Phone: 717.920.7176

August 27, 2012
Westbound Pa. Turnpike to Close Tonight at 6 p.m. between Carlisle and Breezewood

Emergency closure needed to remove rig that overturned this morning in Cumberland County.
A 65-mile section of the westbound Pennsylvania Turnpike will be closed tonight for an emergency recovery operation between the Carlisle Exit (#226) and the Breezewood Exit (#161) from 6 p.m. until approximately 10 p.m.

The closure is needed to allow crews to safely remove a tractor trailer that overturned this morning at milepost 219. The rig landed outside the travel lanes and is not presently blocking traffic, so the decision was made to complete the recovery and cleanup operation tonight when traffic is lighter.

The recommended detour for westbound motorists: Exit at Carlisle (#226) take Route 11 north to I-81 south (58 miles) to Maryland to I-70 west (I-81, Exit MD #4) (48 miles) to Route 30 east (.3 miles) and reenter at Breezewood Interchange (#161). It is estimated that the detour will add 30-45 minutes to the trip.

Alternate-route cards will be available to exiting travelers at the Carlisle interchange during the closure. Expect higher traffic volumes on detour roads during the closure.

The eastbound Turnpike will not be impacted by the closure. Westbound traffic will be able to enter the Turnpike at the three interchanges between Carlisle and Breezewood – Blue Mountain, Willow Hill and Fort Littleton.

Turnpike motorists can get up-to-date travel conditions by calling 866-976-TRIP (8747). This toll-free number gives audio advisories for the region in which you are traveling, including delays and closures. For a snapshot of conditions across the Turnpike, visit the Interactive Travel Map at www.paturnpike.com/webmap. An innovative smartphone app, “TRIP Talk,” streams audio advisories to iPhone and Droid users on America's First Superhighway. To download the free app, visit www.paturnpike.com/triptalk. Users do not have to create an account, register or sign up to use TRIP Talk. The app uses your phone's built-in GPS to stream nearby advisories.
 

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