Bridge Beam Placement in Chester County to Close PA Turnpike (I-76) for Six Hours Sunday August 7

KING OF PRUSSIA, PA (08/02/2011)(readMedia)-- The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission cautions motorists that a 14-mile stretch of the toll road will be closed in both directions for six hours this weekend August 6-7 between Valley Forge (Exit #326) and Downingtown (Exit #312) to allow a contractor to place steel beams on the bridge that carries Mill Road over the Turnpike at milepost 322.5 in Tredyffrin Township, Chester County.

Beginning at 12:01 a.m. on Sunday, August 7, all westbound traffic must exit at the Valley Forge Interchange, and eastbound traffic will be diverted off at the Downingtown Interchange. The PA Turnpike will re-open to traffic by 6 a.m. Sunday morning with a single lane pattern westbound in effect until 8 a.m. Motorists are encouraged to plan their travel accordingly.

The Turnpike Highway Advisory Radio (HAR) will be activated, and motorists can tune to 1640 AM for detour information and traffic conditions. Changeable message signs will be strategically placed to provide the traveling public with updated information regarding closures and detours. For emergencies, dial *11 on your mobile phone.

Pennsylvania State Police and Turnpike personnel will be available to help direct motorists at the Valley Forge and Downingtown Interchanges providing alternate-route cards to re-enter the Turnpike system. The detour route between the interchanges is approximately 20 miles and the directions are produced solely as a convenience to the public.

All Westbound Turnpike Traffic MUST EXIT at the Valley Forge Interchange (Exit #326) Take Interstate 76 east (.5 mile) to US Route 202 south (12 miles) US Route 30 west (2.5 miles) to State Route 100 north (5 miles). Re-enter the Pennsylvania Turnpike at the Downingtown Interchange (#312). Eastbound will be open to traffic.

All Eastbound Turnpike Traffic MUST EXIT at the Downingtown Interchange (Exit #312) Take State Route 100 south (5 miles) to US Route 30 east (2.5 miles) US Route 202 north (12 miles) to Interstate 76 west (.5 mile). Re-enter the Pennsylvania Turnpike at the Valley Forge Interchange (#326). Westbound will be open to traffic

Saturday night, Aug. 6, the contractor will establish a bi-directional single lane pattern between milepost 324-319, closing the right lane westbound at 8 p.m. and eastbound at 9 p.m. Motorists traveling in the area should stay alert for slow moving construction vehicles or stopped traffic approaching the work zone until the patterns are lifted Sunday morning. The Turnpike urges motorists to stay alert and travel at posted speed limits through work zones. Speed limits will be enforced and fines increased. The Valley Forge Service Plaza (eastbound only) will remain open.

This work is weather sensitive and could be rescheduled in case of precipitation, high winds or lightning. If the forecast predicts inclement weather the CLOSURE will be re-scheduled for the following weekend (Aug. 14) with times and operation information still applicable.

Motorists are encouraged to plan their travel accordingly. Advanced public notification of major work activities impacting traffic will be provided by way of the print and broadcast media, various modes of the Turnpike and PennDOT ITS network, as well as portable message signing. The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission is committed to distributing complete, accurate and consistent travel information and providing exceptional customer service. Visit the PA Turnpike website at www.paturnpike.com for all Turnpike project updates. Be in the know before you go and call 866.976.TRIP (866.976.8747).