Northbound Lehigh Tunnel Closures Scheduled Next Week

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 for three days next week, Sept. 29, Oct. 1 and Oct. 2 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. for tunnel maintenance.

Each day at 8 a.m. weather permitting, the northbound tunnel 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) interchanges.

Message boards will be activated to update motorists of any changes to the schedule caused by inclement weather or unforeseen traffic conditions. If the work is delayed, it will take place on the next available day. Tunnel maintenance may also be scheduled for the following week if needed.

Motorists traveling on I-476 should stay alert when entering the tunnel and turn on their headlights. Drivers are also advised to slow down, keep an adequate distance from the vehicle ahead and never pass inside the tunnel. Customers who experience car trouble and cannot safely exit the tunnel should stay in the car, put on the hazard lights and wait for assistance. Tunnel personnel will monitor closed-circuit cameras and send help for disabled vehicles.

Travel advisories will be posted at www.paturnpike.com and Highway Advisory Radio (1640 AM) will be activated to provide travel updates. 

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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