Bridge Work to Start at Hickory Run Plaza on Northeastern Extension Next Week

KING OF PRUSSIA, PA (09/16/2010)(readMedia)-- The Pennsylvania Turnpike advises motorists that work is scheduled to begin next week on the rehabilitation of the overhead bridge and ramps that carry northbound and southbound traffic to the Hickory Run Service Plaza in Carbon County.

Earlier this year, High Construction Company started construction on the new Hickory Run Service Plaza that closed in January 2009. Motorists traveling on the Northeastern Extension, between the Mahoning Valley and Pocono exits have experienced little or no traffic restrictions during this construction project.

Since early September, Nyleve Bridge Corporation has been preparing to work on the overhead ramp bridge at milepost A86.3. Equipment has been moved to the site and travel restrictions (reduced speeds) are in place in both directions between milepost A84-A88.

Starting the week of Sept. 20, the overhead bridge work will require occasional overnight lane closures on the Northeastern Extension when the contractor begins cleaning; repairing and painting the existing steel beams. Motorists approaching the Hickory Run Plaza, located 8.75 miles south of the Pocono Interchange (Exit 95), should anticipate slow-moving or stopped traffic, lane closures and reduced speeds. The work is weather dependent and subject to change.

Motorists should be prepared for construction to impact travel in the vicinity of the service plaza; motorists should use caution and obey posted speed limits. There are 55 mph signs posted in the work area and speed limits are reduced to 40 mph when there are active work zones.

Nyleve Bridge Corporation was awarded the $1.2 million contract for the ramp resurfacing and bridge rehabilitation project on Aug. 10. The expected date of completion for the bridge rehabilitation is early November. This will be followed by the opening of the new Hickory Run Service Plaza in mid to late November.

The Hickory Run renovation is part of a privately funded, statewide makeover of the Turnpike's travel plazas. In 2005, the Turnpike entered into a 30-year, public-private partnership to design and construct 17 modern service plazas. HMSHost Family Restaurants LLC is investing $100 million to construct, operate and maintain 17 food-court eateries, and Sunoco Inc. is investing $70 million to redevelop and run 17 service stations and convenience stores. Since 2007, six new venues with spacious, food-court interiors and more traveler amenities have opened at Oakmont Plum, Allentown, Sideling Hill, North Somerset, New Stanton and King of Prussia. Two others at Lawn and Bowmansville in Dauphin and Lancaster counties, respectively, have just closed for renovation and will reopen in May 2011.

The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission is committed to distributing complete, accurate travel information and providing exceptional customer service. Visit the PA Turnpike website at www.paturnpike.com for Turnpike project updates or www.lehighbridge.com for construction updates in the Lehigh and Mahoning Valley area. Be in the know before you go and call 866.976.TRIP (866.976.8747).