Media & Public Relations


COMMISSION NEWS RELEASE
Contact: Carl DeFebo
Phone: 717.920.7176

September 12, 2012
Pa. Turnpike Announces Two-Way Traffic in Blue Mountain, Kittatinny Tunnels Starting Friday

Construction requires closure of westbound tunnel at 8 p.m. on Sept. 14 until noon on Sept. 20.
The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission warns motorists of two-way traffic in the Blue Mountain and Kittatinny tunnels at milepost 197-199 in Franklin County for six days starting this Friday night. Beginning at 8 p.m. on Sept. 14 until noon on Sept. 20, the westbound tunnel will be closed and traffic crossed over to the eastbound tunnel as part of a construction project outside the twin tubes. Traffic will be restricted to a single lane in each direction inside the tunnels with no passing permitted.

During the closure, crews will reconstruct the westbound approach to the Blue Mountain Tunnel, which will eventually connect with the curve straightening now under construction. Traffic will be bidirectional in the eastbound tunnels for six days while work is conducted around the clock. Pennsylvania State Police and Turnpike personnel will be monitoring traffic as the crossover is set and removed.
 
Motorists traveling through this area should allow extra time for possible delays. Traffic is expected to heaviest from noon until 8 p.m. on Sunday and from noon until 6 p.m. Monday through Wednesday. Motorists are encouraged to plan travel accordingly.

Over-width tractor trailers will be prohibited from traveling through the Blue Mountain and Kittantinny tunnels during this period. Any over-width vehicle traveling west of Blue Mountain Interchange (milepost 201) and any over-width vehicle traveling east of Willow Hill Interchange (milepost 189) will be affected.

This work is weather sensitive. Should the weather be inclement, work will be rescheduled for Sept. 21 with the same restrictions and guidelines.

Tune to radio 1640 AM for information and traffic conditions. Changeable message signs will also provide updated information regarding closures. For emergencies, dial *11 on your mobile phone or deploy one of the call boxes on the shoulder at one-mile intervals.

Travelers can get Turnpike traffic alerts by calling 866-976-TRIP (8747) or visiting the live Travel Conditions Map online at www.paturnpike.com. The Turnpike’s smartphone app, TRIP Talk, streams audio advisories to iPhone and Droid users so they can keep their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road. To download the free app, visit www.paturnpike.com/triptalk.
 

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