Bridge-Beam Placement to Close Pa. Turnpike Overnight June 12

KING OF PRUSSIA, PA (06/09/2011)(readMedia)-- The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission cautions motorists that a 7-mile stretch of the Turnpike (I-276) will be closed overnight in both directions for five hours Sunday, June 12 between Bensalem (Exit #351) and Delaware Valley (Exit #358). The closure is needed to place concrete beams on the bridge that carries Bristol-Oxford Valley Road (SR 2029) over the Turnpike at milepost 357.10 in Bristol Township, Bucks County.

At 12:01 a.m. on June 12, all eastbound traffic must exit at the Bensalem Interchange, and westbound traffic will be diverted off at the Delaware Valley Interchange. Additionally, no traffic will be allowed access to the Turnpike from Street Road (PA 132) using the new E-ZPass Only Interchange in Bensalem Township.

Sunday morning at 5 a.m. one lane will reopen to traffic in both directions. Traffic will be fully restored eastbound by 8 a.m. and westbound by 10 a.m. Sunday.

Pennsylvania State Police and Turnpike maintenance personnel will be at the Bensalem and Delaware Valley interchanges to control traffic and assist with alternate-route information.

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 placed to provide updated information regarding closures and detours. Motorists are encouraged to plan travel accordingly. For emergencies, dial *11 on your mobile phone.

DETOURS

• Traveling eastbound on I-276 – All traffic must exit at Bensalem Interchange (#351). Take US Route 1 south to State Route 132 east to US Route 13 north and reenter the Turnpike at the Delaware Valley Interchange to continue eastbound on I-276.

• Traveling westbound on I-276 – All traffic must exit at Delaware Valley Interchange (#358). Take US Route 13 south to State Route 132 west to US Route 1 north and reenter the Turnpike at the Bensalem Interchange to continue westbound on I-276.

The Bristol-Oxford Valley Road Bridge, which crosses above I-276 in Bristol Township, was closed to traffic on Oct. 25, 2010. A detour will remain in place until the new bridge opens in late November.

The Turnpike urges motorists to stay alert and travel at posted speed limits through work zones. Speed limits will be enforced and fines increased. In case of inclement weather, the closure will be rescheduled for June 18-19 with times and detour information still applicable.

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 project updates. Be in the know before you go and call 866.976 TRIP (866.976.8747).