Travel Advisory

CONTACT: Mimi Doyle
Phone: 610.313.6383

Sept. 16, 2015

 

Overhead Bridge Work to Close Northeastern Extension Overnight on Sept. 20
I-476 will be shut down between Mid-County and Lansdale for six hours.

 

The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission cautions motorists that an 11-mile stretch of the Northeastern Extension (I-476) will be closed in both directions for six hours on Sept. 20 between the Mid-County (Exit #20) and Lansdale (Exit #31) interchanges. The closure is necessary for the protection of motorists and workers during the removal of beams from the overhead ramp-bridge that carries traffic to and from the Lansdale Interchange in Towamencin Township, Montgomery County.

At 12:01 a.m. on Sept. 20, southbound traffic will be diverted off at the Lansdale Interchange. At the same time, northbound access to the Northeastern Extension from Mid County will be prohibited. Motorists wishing to travel north from the Mid-County Interchange or the east/west Turnpike mainline will be directed to exit I-276 at the Fort Washington Interchange (Exit #339) to return to I-476 at Lansdale. The Northeastern Extension will reopen to traffic by 6 a.m.

Prior to the shut-down, starting at 9 p.m. on Sept. 19, motorists traveling northbound from Mid-County and southbound from Quakertown should be prepared for a single-lane traffic pattern in both directions approaching the Lansdale Interchange. The speed limit will be posted at 55 mph until the patterns are lifted by 9 a.m. Construction-zone speed limits are enforceable and fines will be increased.

Pennsylvania State Police and Turnpike personnel will be positioned at the Lansdale, Mid-County and Ft. Washington interchanges to assist motorists. Drivers can tune to radio 1640 AM for detour information and traffic conditions. Changeable message signs will also provide updated information regarding closures and detours. Motorists are encouraged to plan travel accordingly.

DETOURS

Traveling southbound on I-476 – All traffic must exit at Lansdale Interchange (#31). Turn left onto Sumneytown Pike. At the second light, turn left onto Forty Foot Road (State Route 63-east). Travel 1.5 miles and turn right onto Welsh Road (State Route 63-east) to U.S. Route 309 south to reenter the Turnpike at the Fort Washington Interchange. Travel east on the Pa. Turnpike (I-276) to get to Philadelphia and New Jersey. Travel west on the Pa. Turnpike (I-276) to get to Harrisburg and points west. Motorists bound for I-476 south (Blue Route) to I-76 and I-95 should also follow the Turnpike westbound from Fort Washington, exiting the Turnpike at the Mid-County (Exit #20) Interchange to continue southbound on I-476.

Traveling northbound on I-476 (Blue Route from I-76/I-95) - Enter the Turnpike at the Mid-County Toll Plaza and continue eastbound on I-276 to the Fort Washington Interchange (Exit #339). Exit the Turnpike and travel north on Route 309. Turn left on Welsh Road (State Route 63-west) and follow the signs to reenter I-476 at the Lansdale Interchange.

Traveling east or west on I-276 – Exit the Turnpike at the Fort Washington Interchange (Exit #339) and travel north on Route 309. Turn left on Welsh Road (State Route 63-west) and follow the signs to reenter I-476 at the Lansdale Interchange.

The work is part of the Turnpike’s total reconstruction and six-lane widening project between milepost A26 and A31. For more information visit: www.paturnpike.com/constructionprojects/mpA20toA31.

In case of inclement weather, the closure will be rescheduled for Oct. 3-4 with times and detours still applicable.

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 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. For emergencies, dial *11 on your mobile phone.

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