Pa. Turnpike Lifts Speed-Limit Restriction, Reopens One of Two Flooded Interchanges

HARRISBURG, PA (09/08/2011)(readMedia)-- The Pa. Turnpike Commission has restored the speed limit to 65 mph on the 33-mile section from Valley Forge (No. 326) to the Delaware River Bridge Toll Plaza (No. 359). The speed limit had been lowered to 45 mph earlier this morning because of ponding water and hazardous conditions. The Pa. Turnpike also reopened the Virginia Drive E-ZPass Only Interchange (No. 340) which also was closed earlier this morning because of flooding. The Fort Washington Interchange (No. 339) remains closed at this hour due to off-turnpike flooding, but officials remain hopeful that it will reopen sometime later this afternoon. Motorists in central and eastern Pennsylvania may encounter isolated areas of ponding water and possible mud slides and downed trees and are urged to drive with caution.

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.