PA Turnpike to Temporarily Close Starting Late April 9 between Bedford, Breezewood Exits

NEW STANTON, PA (04/08/2011)(readMedia)-- The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission will close the Turnpike in both directions between the Bedford Interchange (Exit 146) and the Breezewood Interchange (Exit 161) starting at 11:45 p.m. April 9 through 4 a.m. April 10, weather permitting.

The closure is needed for the safe demolition of an overhead bridge at milepost 151.9. The bridge carries Ashcom Road over the Turnpike mainline in Snake Spring Township, Bedford County and is being replaced to accommodate a future Turnpike widening and reconstruction project.

Alternate-route cards will be available to exiting travelers at the Bedford and Breezewood Interchanges during the closure. Message boards will be placed to inform customers of the closure, and Highway Advisory Radio (HAR) broadcasts at station 1640 AM also are being used to inform travelers.

Westbound drivers will be advised to exit at Breezewood (Exit 161), take US Route 30 West (18.5 miles) to US Route 220 North (2.5 Miles) to US Route 220 South (.2 miles). Motorists can reenter the Turnpike at the Bedford Interchange (Exit 146).

Eastbound drivers will be advised to exit at Bedford (Exit 146), take US Route 220 North (.2 miles) to US Route 220 South (2.5 miles) to US Route 30 East (18.5 miles). Motorist can reenter the Turnpike at the Breezewood Interchange (Exit 161)

Expect higher traffic volumes on detour roads during the closure.

Information on traffic conditions can be obtained via the Turnpike Roadway Information Program by calling 866-976-TRIP (866-976-8747). The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission provides a state-of-the-art website at www.paturnpike.com that provides motorists with real-time information across the Turnpike.