Public Strongly Urged to Stay off Roadways in Eastern Half of Pa.

HARRISBURG, PA (09/08/2011)(readMedia)-- PennDOT and Pa. Turnpike Commission are strongly urging motorists to avoid all unnecessary travel in eastern Pennsylvania, including the area from Harrisburg north to the New York border, east to the New Jersey border and south to the Maryland border.

Currently Interstate 80 is closed in both directions from Exits 232 to 236 and Interstate 81 is closed in both directions between Exits 90 and 100. Also, hundreds of secondary roads are closed.

Many roads that are open are experiencing extremely high traffic, resulting in gridlock in many regions. In addition to flooding, mud slides and downed trees continue to pose safety risks along roadways in the rain-drenched regions.

For your safety as well as the safety of other motorists and emergency responders, motorists are urged to avoid unnecessary travel until conditions improve.

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.