Bridge Beam Removal to Close Pa. Turnpike’s Northeastern Extension on April 12

Six-hour closure needed for bridge work between Lansdale and Quakertown.

The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission cautions motorists that a 13-mile stretch of the Northeastern Extension (I-476) will be closed in both directions for six hours on April 12 between the Lansdale (Exit #31) and Quakertown (Exit #44) interchanges. The closure is necessary for the protection of motorists and workers during the removal of steel girders from the overhead bridges that carry Morwood Road (State Route 1016) in Franconia Township and Clump Road in Salford Township over I-476 in Montgomery County.

At 12:01 a.m. April 12, southbound traffic will be diverted off at the Quakertown Interchange and northbound traffic will exit at the Lansdale Interchange. Motorists wishing to travel north from the Mid-County Interchange or the east/west Turnpike mainline will be directed to exit I-476 at Lansdale. The Northeastern Extension will reopen to traffic by 6 a.m.

Prior to the road closure, motorists should be prepared for the left lane to be closed in both directions at 11 p.m. on April 11 between mileposts A34.7 – A38.3. The speed limit will be posted at 55 mph until the single-lane patterns are lifted by 9 a.m. Construction-zone speed limits will be enforced and fines increased.

Pennsylvania State Police and Turnpike personnel will be positioned at the Lansdale and Quakertown interchanges to assist motorists. Alternate route cards will be available in the cash lanes and include information to access a survey and provide feedback about the pink and purple directional signs posted along the detour route. Changeable message signs will also provide updated information regarding closures and detours. Motorists are encouraged to plan travel accordingly. For emergencies, dial *11 on your mobile phone.

DETOURS

• Traveling southbound on I-476 — Exit at Quakertown Interchange (Exit #44). Turn left onto State Route 663 north (John Fries Hwy). Take State Route 663 north to State Route 309 south to US Route 202 south to State Route 63 west.  This will bring you to the Lansdale Interchange (#31). There are detour signs with a purple arrow along the detour route that will guide motorists to the Lansdale Interchange (#31).
  

• Traveling northbound on I-476 — Exit at Lansdale Interchange (Exit #31).  Turn left onto State Route 63 east (Sumneytown Pike). Take State Route 63 east to US Route 202 north to State Route 309 north to State Route 663 south.  This will bring you to the Quakertown Interchange (#44). There are detour signs with a pink arrow along the detour route that will guide motorists to the Quakertown Interchange (#44).
  

For more information visit the project website: www.patpconstruction.com/mpA31toA38. In case of inclement weather, the closure will be rescheduled for April 18-19 with times and detours still applicable.

Travelers can get Turnpike traffic alerts by calling 866-976-TRIP (8747), tuning to radio 1640 AM or visiting the live Travel Conditions Map online at www.paturnpike.com/webmap. The Pa. 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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