Daytime Beam Delivery to Impact Traffic Southbound on Turnpike's Northeastern Extension (I-476) and Eastbound

Expect delays during transport from the Lehigh Valley (Exit #56) to the Willow Grove (Exit #343) Interchange Tuesday – Thursday

KING OF PRUSSIA, PA (04/12/2011)(readMedia)-- Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission advises motorists traveling south on the Turnpike's Northeastern Extension (I-476) from the Lehigh Valley (Exit #56) Interchange and east on the Turnpike mainline (I-276) to be prepared for slow moving or stopped traffic Tuesday through Thursday (Apr. 12-14) between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. during the delivery of four (4) concrete beam "superloads" to the Willow Grove (Exit #343) Interchange.

Tomorrow, Tuesday (Apr. 12) at 9 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. Northeast Prestressed Products, with assistance from Pennsylvania State Police, will begin transporting the oversized loads, two at a time, from the Lehigh Valley Interchange. The planned route will have the convoy traveling south on I-476, eastbound I-276 and exiting at the Willow Grove (Exit #343) Interchange. It is expected to take approximately 90 minutes to travel from the Lehigh Valley to Willow Grove.

Upon arrival at the Willow Grove Interchange, State Police will transport one tractor-trailer at a time, north on Rt. 611 to Doylestown, returning to the interchange to begin transporting the second tractor trailer parked in lane 10 (for oversized vehicles) at the toll plaza. This operation will continue until all four superloads arrive at their destination in Doylestown, Bucks County.

Due to the size and length of these beams, motorists may experience some delays at the Lehigh Valley Interchange, southbound on I-476, eastbound on I-276, the Willow Grove Interchange and northbound on Route 611 during transport.

Motorists should anticipate additional beam deliveries to impact travel at varying times throughout the day on Wednesday (Apr. 13) and Thursday (Apr. 14) and plan their travel accordingly.

The contractor's schedule is subject to change due to weather, equipment and delivery schedules. Motorists are urged to stay alert for stopped traffic and construction vehicles, to obey posted speed limits and to use extra caution when visiting the area.

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).