Resurfacing Project on Pa. Turnpike's Northeastern Extension near Lansdale Exit begins Sunday

Nighttime paving, reduced speeds may cause additional delays between Exits 31-20 until November.

KING OF PRUSSIA, PA (09/16/2011)(readMedia)-- The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission advises motorists using the Northeastern Extension (I-476) between the Lansdale (Exit #31) and Mid-County interchanges to be prepared for overnight single-lane closures with reduced speeds of 40 miles per hour starting at 8 p.m. on Sept. 18. Overnight repaving work will be performed weeknights between 8 p.m. and 5 a.m. southbound and 9 p.m. and 6 a.m. northbound until the project is completed in November.

The repaving work is taking place on the mainline near and south of the Lansdale Interchange but is unrelated to the reconstruction and widening project under way closer to Mid County Toll Plaza.

The Turnpike Commission determined it was necessary for customer safety to resurface this section of I-476. The commission awarded the $2.1 million project to Reading Site Contractors, Skippack, Pa. (a div. of Reading Materials Inc.) earlier this month. The work, originally scheduled to begin Sept. 11, was delayed due to weather.

The contract provides for resurfacing from milepost A25.6 (Berks Road) to milepost A31.1 (just north of Lansdale Interchange). Because work requires the contractor to restrict traffic to one lane, ALL work will occur during off-peak (nighttime) hours with reduced speeds of 40 mph in the work zone. The posted speed limits within the construction zone are enforceable and fines will be doubled.

Motorists traveling between Mid-County and Lansdale should be aware that with the installation of the new traffic-control devices and the proximity to the reconstruction and widening project from milepost A20-A26, reduced speeds of 40/55 mph are now in effect on the entire 12-mile stretch of I-476 between Mid-County and Lansdale.

In the event of emergency-lane closures, the Turnpike will activate its Variable Message Signs and Highway Advisory Radio System (1640 AM) to inform motorists of conditions.

Turnpike motorists can also get up-to-date travel conditions by calling 866-976-TRIP (8747). This toll-free number gives audio advisories for the region in which you are traveling, including delays and closures. For a snapshot of conditions across the Turnpike, including access to traffic cams, traffic-flow monitors, audio advisories and more, visit the Interactive Travel Map at www.paturnpike.com/webmap.