Overhead Sign Installation to Close Pennsylvania Turnpike Early Sunday, Nov. 7

I-276 will be shut down for 6 hours between Willow Grove and Bensalem.

KING OF PRUSSIA, PA (11/04/2010)(readMedia)-- The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission cautions motorists that an 8-mile stretch of the Pennsylvania Turnpike will be closed in both directions for six hours on Nov. 7 between Willow Grove (Exit #343) and Bensalem (Exit #351) on I-276. The closure is needed to erect overhead sign structures at mileposts 350.14 and 350.63 in Bensalem Township, Bucks County.

At 12:01 a.m. early Sunday morning, Nov. 7, motorists traveling eastbound on I-276 must exit at the Willow Grove Interchange and westbound traffic will be diverted off at the Bensalem (old Philadelphia) Interchange. The Pennsylvania Turnpike mainline will reopen by 6 a.m. Sunday.

Preparations for installation of the overhead sign structures will begin at 8 p.m. Saturday night, Nov. 6 when the contractor will close the right lane in both directions to move the crane and other heavy equipment into place. Motorists should be prepared for slow-moving or stopped traffic when approaching the work area in the vicinity of the Bensalem Interchange.

Pennsylvania State Police and Turnpike personnel will be positioned at the Willow Grove and Bensalem interchanges to assist motorists. Motorists can tune to radio 1640 AM for detour information and traffic conditions or call the Turnpike Roadway Information line at 866.976.8747. Changeable message signs will also provide updated information regarding closures and detours. Motorists are encouraged to plan their travel accordingly. For emergencies, dial *11 on your mobile phone.

DETOURS

• Traveling eastbound on I-276 - Exit at Willow Grove Interchange (#343). Take State Route 611 north (5.1 miles) to State Route 132 east (11.3 miles) to U.S. Route 1 north (.7 miles) and re-enter the PA Turnpike at the Bensalem Interchange.

• Traveling westbound on I-276 – Exit at Bensalem Interchange (#351). Take U.S. Route 1 south (.7 miles) to State Route 132 west (11.3 miles) to State Route 611 south (5.1 miles) and re-enter the PA Turnpike at the Willow Grove Interchange.

The Turnpike urges motorists to stay alert and travel at posted speed limits (55/40 mph) through work zones. Speed limits will be enforced by PA State Police and fines increased. In case of inclement weather, the closure will be rescheduled for Nov. 13-14 with times and detour information still applicable.

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 and updates. Be in the know before you go and call 866.976.TRIP (866.976.8747).