Mid-Day Traffic Stoppages to Impact Travel on I-76 between Downingtown and Valley Forge September 27-29

KING OF PRUSSIA, PA (09/22/2011)(readMedia)-- The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission reports that motorists traveling on the Turnpike (I-76) east from Downingtown and west from Valley Forge will experience slow-moving traffic and stoppages of no more than 15 minutes next week, September 27, 28 and 29. The weekly bi-directional traffic paces and stoppages are scheduled to continue Tuesday - Thursday between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. until the end of November.

Allan A. Myers, the general contractor building the all-electronic toll facility, will begin excavating the rock slope adjacent to the westbound Turnpike mainline next week and requires traffic paces and 15-minute stoppages to safely complete blasting without jeopardizing worker and motorist safety. The daily pace with a 15-minute minute stoppage is scheduled to occur around noon but may be conducted anytime within the contractor's allowable window of 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Turnpike Maintenance personnel and State Police will stop motorists traveling eastbound at the Downingtown Interchange (Exit #312) and westbound at the Valley Forge Interchange (Exit #326) then begin a slow-moving traffic pace (approx. 25 mph), bringing traffic to a complete stop eastbound at milepost 319 and 321 westbound in advance of the blast zone.

The Turnpike's $48 million contract to build the Route 29 All-Electronic Interchange – new Exit #320 - was awarded to Allan A. Myers, LP of Worcester, Pa. in January 2011. The project – funded wholly by toll revenues without any state or federal tax dollars, will cover approximately one-half mile on the Turnpike mainline (I-76) and serve all four traffic movements, both eastbound and westbound entry and exit. Located 8 miles east of the Downingtown Interchange and 6 miles west of the Valley Forge Interchange the all-electronic facility will link I-76 with Pa. Route 29 (Morehall Road) near the western end of the proposed six-lane widening project between mileposts 320-326 and is scheduled to be completed in late 2012.

Motorists traveling the 14-mile stretch of Turnpike between the Valley Forge and Downingtown Interchange should anticipate traffic delays for the next several months; to avoid delays seek alternate routes. The work is weather sensitive and may be delayed or rescheduled. Travel advisories will be posted on the project website as needed at www.paturnpike.com/constructionprojects/r29ramp

The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission is committed to distributing complete, accurate and consistent travel information and providing exceptional customer service. You can visit the PA Turnpike website at www.paturnpike.com for all your travel needs or be in the know before you go and call 866.976.TRIP (866.976.8747).

NEW - TRIP Talk streams audio advisories to iPhone and Droid users on America's First Superhighway. To download the free app, Pa. Turnpike travelers can visit http://www.paturnpike.com/triptalk. Users do not have to create an account, register or sign up with the Turnpike to use TRIP Talk. The app uses your phone's built-in GPS to stream nearby advisories.