Pa. Turnpike Closed between Reading and Harrisburg East Exits Due to Flooding

Travelers urged to avoid the area as flooding has closed many alternate routes in the region.

HARRISBURG, PA (09/08/2011)(readMedia)-- The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission announced that it has closed the toll road between the Reading Interchange (No. 286) and the Harrisburg East Interchange (No. 247) because floodwaters are impacting the bridge that carries Turnpike traffic over the Swatara Creek in eastern Dauphin County.

"Floodwaters from the Swatara Creek are now contacting the structural components of the bridge," said the Turnpike's Chief Operating Officer Craig R. Shuey. "We had to shut down the 39-mile stretch of Turnpike because the safety of the structure is compromised and the creek is expected to rise through the night."

All westbound traffic is now being forced off the Turnpike at the Reading Exit and all eastbound traffic forced off at the Harrisburg East Exit.

At this time, the best available routes are as follows:

• Westbound Traffic: Exit at the Reading Interchange (No. 286). Take U.S. Route 222 North to Pa. Route 61 North to I-78 West to I-81 South; reenter the Turnpike at Carlisle.

• Eastbound Traffic: Exit at Harrisburg East and follow I-283 North to I-83 North to I-81 North to I-78 East to Pa. Route 61 South to U.S. Route 222 South and reenter the Turnpike at Reading.

"Unfortunately, because roadway conditions off the Turnpike are changing rapidly, with multiple state and local routes now closed by flooding, it is difficult to provide accurate alternate-route information to customers," Shuey cautioned. "During this emergency, we strongly urge all travelers to avoid the area at all costs."

Turnpike travelers can get up-to-date information by calling 1-866-976-TRIP (8747). This toll-free number gives audio advisories for the region in which you are traveling, including delays and closures due to accidents or bad weather. Online, the Interactive Travel Map at www.paturnpike.com/webmap delivers a snapshot of conditions across the Turnpike, including traffic cams, at-a-glance traffic-flow status, weather conditions, audio advisories and more.