"Local" Lane Traffic Switch Scheduled on I-476 South of Mid-County

KING OF PRUSSIA, PA (08/26/2010)(readMedia)-- The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission advises motorists traveling southbound on the Northeastern Extension (I-476) of the Pennsylvania Turnpike to be prepared for slow-moving or stopped traffic when exiting the Mid-County Interchange (Exit #20) Thursday night, August 26 from 10 p.m. until 5 a.m. Friday morning when the two Express E-ZPass lanes in the center of the toll plaza will shut-down.

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. Six conventional E-ZPass and three cash lanes will remain open for exiting traffic.

The overnight closure will allow PennDOT's contractor ample time to safely work to reconfigure their long term temporary "local" traffic lanes for the portion of the Blue Route south of the toll plaza. Drivers entering the Mid-County Toll Plaza from the Turnpike will continue to exit to the right of the plaza to gain access to the two (2) southbound local lanes to exit at the I-76 off-ramps, the ramp to Route 23 (Conshohocken), and the ramp to Ridge Pike.

There will be no change for motorists exiting the toll plaza to use the existing four-mile Express Lane traffic pattern on I-476. If motorists inadvertently enter the express lane DO NOT STOP OR BACK-UP. For your safety the Turnpike urges drivers to continue in the express lane to the next exit (#13) and reenter the Blue Route at U.S. Route 30 in Villanova. This pattern will remain in place for the rest of the year. The posted speed limit through the I-476 construction zone is 45 miles per hour.

PennDOT will provide tow truck coverage within the construction area to assist motorists and quickly remove disabled vehicles from I-476. All work is weather sensitive and subject to change.

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.