Lane Closures and Periodic Stoppages on Interstate I-476 to Impact Traffic at Mid-County

KING OF PRUSSIA, PA (12/03/2010)(readMedia)-- The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission advises motorists traveling on Interstate 476 to stay alert for slow-moving or stopped traffic when entering and exiting the PA Turnpike system at the Mid-County Interchange starting Friday night (Dec. 3) at 9 p.m.

Motorists will encounter a variety of nighttime lane closures and stoppages over the next week (Dec. 3-12) for construction between the Turnpike's Mid-County Interchange (Exit #20) and the Interstate 76 Interchange (Exit #16) in West Conshohocken. Both express lanes and all conventional E-ZPass and cash lanes at the Mid-County Toll Plaza will remain open during the PennDOT construction work on the Blue Route (I-476).

PennDOT construction crews are in the process of completing survey work, moving construction barriers, paving shoulders and painting traffic lines in preparation for rebuilding the northbound lanes of the Blue Route (I-476) in 2011.

Starting at 9 p.m. tonight, Friday (Dec. 3) until 5 a.m. the following morning PennDOT crews will close the southbound "express lane" on the northbound side of the Blue Route (I-476).

Saturday morning (Dec. 4) at 12:01 a.m. until 5 a.m. motorists can expect periodic stoppages of northbound traffic between I-76 and Mid-County and at 9 p.m. until 8 a.m. Sunday morning (Dec. 5) two southbound lanes on the southbound side of the Blue Route will be closed.

Motorists should anticipate bi-directional lane closures and periodic stoppages to cause delays in the area until Sunday morning (Dec. 12).

Motorists should proceed with caution traveling through PennDOT construction on the Blue Route and anticipate delays at the Mid-County Interchange. The scheduled activities are weather dependent and may be postponed until the following day in the event of rain.

PennDOT reminds motorists to call 511 from any phone or log on to 511pa.com to check traffic conditions on I-476. Tow truck coverage will be provided within the construction area to assist motorists and quickly remove disabled vehicles from I-476.

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 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 all your travel needs.