COMMISSION NEWS RELEASE

Contact:

Mimi Doyle
Public Information Manager - East
Phone: 610-239-4117

August 9, 2013

Mahoning Valley Interchange Ramp Resurfacing Project Begins Aug. 9

I-476 traffic impacts to occur northbound at Exit #74 in Carbon County.

The Pennsylvania Turnpike reports that pre-construction activities on the Northeastern Extension (I-476) will begin Aug. 9 on the northbound exit and entry ramps to the Mahoning Valley Toll Plaza in Franklin Township, Carbon County.

Aug. 9 and 10, the contractor will be working near the toll plaza to install erosion and sedimentation control devices and place advance warning signs and traffic-control devices on the mainline between milepost A-79 and A-76 and along the ramps to and from I-476 and State Route 209.

On Aug. 12 between 7 p.m. and 5 a.m., the contractor will remove barrier on the northbound entry and exit ramps using flaggers to control traffic while shifting motorists into a single-lane pattern. This work will continue for approximately 4 weeks, when the contractor will shift to the southbound ramps.

Pikes Creek Site Contractors of Sweet Valley, Pa., was awarded the $1.4 million contract to resurface the ramps from I-476 and State Route 209 to the toll plaza, as well as improvements to guiderail and highway lighting. The work will be done in stages until early November.

If work on the Turnpike mainline requires the contractor to reduce traffic to a single lane, the patterns will be set during off-peak (nighttime) hours with reduced speeds of 40 mph. Construction-zone speed limits are enforceable, and fines will be doubled.

The Pennsylvania Turnpike urges motorists traveling northbound and southbound on I-476 approaching the Mahoning Valley exit to be prepared for overnight restrictions and to obey posted speed limits. In the event of an emergency, the Turnpike will activate its Variable Message Signs and Highway Advisory Radio System (1640 AM) to inform motorists of conditions. Travel advisories will be posted at www.paturnpike.com.

Travelers can also 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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