Daytime Concrete-Beam Delivery to Impact Traffic in Lehighton Next Week

KING OF PRUSSIA, PA (10/22/2010)(readMedia)-- The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission advises motorists traveling west on State Route 248 from Bowmanstown and south on State Route 209 to be prepared for slow moving or stopped traffic at several intersections in the vicinity of the bridge that carries traffic southbound on Route 209 across the Lehigh River into Lehighton.

For nine days beginning Monday, October 25 at 7 a.m., Northeast Prestressed Products will begin transporting 35 concrete beams from their plant in Cressona, Pa. to the Turnpike's Lehigh River and Pohopoco Creek Bridge Project. The route will have the "superloads" traveling west on Route 248 from Bowmanstown to Route 209 south in Lehighton.

Three tractor-trailers carrying the beams are scheduled to arrive at the intersection of Route 248 and Route 209 at approximately 9 a.m., 11a.m. and 1 p.m. Monday through Thursday (Oct. 25-28), and on Friday (Oct. 29) at 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. The following week, Monday 11/1 - Thursday 11/4 deliveries are scheduled twice daily at 9 a.m. and 11 a.m.

A map of the route, schedule changes or additional delivery dates will be posted on the project website at www.lehighbridge.com.

The 100-foot concrete beams will then continue south on Route 209 across the Lehigh River turning right at the intersection of Routes 209 and 443 (Sapora Restaurant) to North Main Lane. From there they will continue east on Lehigh Drive to the abandoned railroad bed that runs parallel to the Lehigh River Bridge.

Personnel from Walsh Construction, the general contractor on the Turnpike bridge project, with the assistance of local police, will stop traffic at the following locations, starting at the intersection of Route 248/209 and Canal Street. Motorists traveling north on Route 443 and traffic on Bridge Street will be stopped before entering the intersection at Route 209.

Additionally, a marked construction vehicle will pace traffic behind the "superloads" as they proceed along the designated travel route at Bowmanstown.

Due to the size and length of these beams entering Lehighton, using a PennDOT approved route, motorists may experience lengthy delays as the concrete beams are transported to the construction area. Motorists are encouraged to plan their travel accordingly and check the project website at www.lehighbridge.com for a map of the detour route and any updates or changes to the delivery schedule.

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).