Bridge-Beam Placement to Close Pa. Turnpike Overnight May 21-22

KING OF PRUSSIA, PA (05/18/2011)(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 seven hours May 21-22 between Bensalem (Exit #351) and Delaware Valley (Exit #358). The closure is needed to place steel girders on the bridge that carries Galloway Road (State Route 2023) over the Turnpike at milepost 353 in Bensalem Township, Bucks County.

At 11 p.m. on May 21, 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. The Turnpike mainline will reopen by 6 a.m. May 22.

Prior to the shutdown, the contractor will close the westbound right lane at 7 p.m. on May 21 to move a large crane into position. The right lane pattern will be lifted at 10 a.m. on May 22.

Pennsylvania State Police and Turnpike maintenance personnel will be at the Bensalem and Delaware Valley interchanges to control traffic and assist toll collectors 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 the public with 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 Galloway Road Bridge, which crosses above I-276 in Bensalem Township, was closed to traffic on Nov. 15, 2010. A detour will remain in place until the new bridge opens in late November 2011.

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 4-5 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).