Heavy Traffic Expected Southbound on I-476 at Mid-County (Exit #20) Interchange

Express E-ZPass exit lanes to close Thursday night for PennDOT work on I-476 south of toll plaza.

KING OF PRUSSIA, PA (12/08/2010)(readMedia)-- The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission advises motorists traveling southbound on the Northeastern Extension (I-476) to be prepared for slow moving or stopped traffic when exiting the Mid-County (Exit #20) Interchange on Thursday night (Dec. 9) between 10 p.m. and 3:30 a.m. Friday morning when the Turnpike will shut-down the two (2) Express E-ZPass exit lanes located in the center of the toll plaza. Six (6) conventional E-ZPass and three (3) cash lanes will remain open at all times for exiting traffic.

The overnight closures will allow PennDOT construction crews ample time to safely perform work to close the southbound "express lane" that currently runs on the northbound side of the Blue Route (Interstate 476) approximately .04 miles south of the toll plaza. Starting at 7 p.m. Thursday night, PennDOT crews will begin to relocate concrete barriers and temporary construction signs, and restripe portions of the highway, returning three travel lanes to the southbound side of I-476 Friday morning.

Motorists traveling south on the Blue Route will face lane closures and periodic traffic stoppages during this overnight operation.

All work is weather sensitive and subject to change. If PennDOT's work is rescheduled the Express E-ZPass exit lanes will remain open.

Motorists exiting the Northeastern Extension at the ramp to enter I-276 westbound may also experience delays due to the express lane closures at the toll plaza. If the Turnpike's Highway Advisory Radio is activated, as indicated by yellow flashing lights, please tune to Radio 1640 AM for updates.

Motorists can also get real-time Pa. Turnpike alerts by calling 866-976-8747 (TRIP). The toll-free, voice-activated TRIP line has frequent updates and provides targeted audio alerts for specific Turnpike sections.

The Pennsylvania Turnpike is committed to distributing complete and accurate travel information. Get Turnpike news releases, traffic bulletins and other information at www.paturnpike.com. Be in the know before you go, sign up online to become a Preferred Traveler.