Media & Public Relations


COMMISSION NEWS RELEASE
    September 20, 2012
Northbound Lehigh Tunnel to be Closed 9.24 to 9.27

Daytime tunnel inspections to impact traffic on I-476, Carbon County

The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission advises motorists traveling on the Northeastern Extension (I-476) to be prepared for daytime single-lane patterns and two-way traffic in the southbound Lehigh Tunnel during in-depth inspection activities from 8 a.m. - 2 p.m. Sept. 24-27.

At 8 a.m. Monday-Thursday, the northbound tube will be closed and traffic diverted into the southbound tunnel until 2 p.m. The Lehigh Tunnel is located at milepost A70-A71 between the Lehigh Valley (Exit #56) and Mahoning Valley (Exit #74) Interchange.

Message boards will be activated to update motorists of any changes in the schedule caused by inclement weather or unforeseen traffic conditions. Tunnel inspections impacting traffic in either direction are expected to continue each week, Monday through Thursday, until the end of October.

I-476 motorists should stay alert when approaching and entering the tunnel. Motorists are urged to turn on headlights, slow down and keep an adequate distance from the vehicle you are following; remain in your lane and do not pass in the tunnel. If you experience car trouble and cannot safely exit the tunnel, stay in your car, put on your hazard lights and wait for assistance.

Travel advisories will be posted at www.paturnpike.com and Highway Advisory Radio (1640 AM) will be activated to provide travel updates. In case of an accident, breakdown or other emergency, motorists can utilize the yellow call boxes on the shoulder or dial *11 to receive aid. Be prepared to give your milepost location and direction of travel and move the involved vehicles out of travel lanes if possible.

Travelers can get Turnpike traffic alerts by calling 866-976-TRIP (8747) or visiting the live Travel Conditions Map online at www.paturnpike.com/webmap. 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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