Media & Public Relations


COMMISSION NEWS RELEASE
Contact: Tom Fox
Phone: 724.755.5260
E-mail:tfox@paturnpike.com
September 14, 2012
Pa. Turnpike to Open Local Roads near Somerset Interchange Sept. 17

Work on improvement project outside tollbooth area to continue through next summer.
The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission will reopen a part of Laurel Crest Road near its Somerset Interchange (Exit 110) in Somerset Township on Sept. 17. Laurel Crest was closed July 23 while crews reconstructed a portion of the road and built two new roads — Marsh Road and Tollgate Road — which will also open to traffic Sept. 17.

Although these roads will be opened, construction continues on the improvement project near the toll plaza including work on the access road leading to the Turnpike Interchange.   In addition, the traffic pattern for the next stage will eliminate traffic crossing behind the toll plaza area.  The signal at the intersection of Tollgate Road and the Access Road will be used to reach businesses along the access road.  During the remaining construction, this signal will be in a temporary configuration.     

The $4.5 million improvement project will be constructed in seven stages, the first of which began in April 2012 with concrete pavement work near the new signal. There will be new drainage, guide rail, curbs and barriers added to improve roadway conditions and safety.  The project is scheduled to be completed by the summer of 2013.

Gibson-Thomas Engineering Company Inc. of Latrobe, Pa. was the designer for the Somerset Interchange Project.  New Enterprise Stone and Lime Company Inc. of New Enterprise, Pa. is construction contractor and McTish, Kunkel and Associates of Pittsburgh is construction manager.

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 http://www.paturnpike.com/triptalk.
 

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