Pa. Turnpike to Temporarily Close Starting Late October 22 between Bedford, Breezewood Exits

Four-hour detour is required to erect steel bridge beams

NEW STANTON, PA (10/20/2011)(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. Oct. 22 through 4 a.m. Oct. 23, weather permitting.

The closure is needed while crews erect steel beams for an overhead bridge at milepost 151. The bridge at milepost 151 is part of an early action project prior to the future Total Reconstruction Project is located in Snake Spring Township, and carries Ashcom Road over PTC Mainline. Phase 1 of the new bridge is currently done and opened to traffic. Demolishing the remaining portion of the bridge and completing the new bridge entirely is Phase 2 of this 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.

Turnpike travelers can get up-to-date information by calling 866.976.TRIP (or 866.976.8747). This toll-free number gives audio advisories for the region in which you are traveling, including delays and closures due to accidents or weather. To check conditions before you hit the road, the Turnpike's Interactive Travel Map at www.paturnpike.com/webmap delivers a snapshot of conditions across the Turnpike, including web cams, at-a-glance traffic-flow status, weather conditions, audio advisories and more.