Traffic Stoppages Planned on Pa. Turnpike near Valley Forge for Rock-Slope Demolition

Demolition is required as part of new E-ZPass only Exit at Route 29 in Chester County.

KING OF PRUSSIA, PA (12/05/2011)(readMedia)-- The Pennsylvania Turnpike reports that motorists traveling on the Interstate 76 east from Downingtown (Exit #312) and west from Valley Forge (Exit #326) should be prepared for slow-moving traffic and a stoppage of no more than 15 minutes, Tuesday – Thursday (Dec. 6-8) between 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

The 15-minute stoppage, scheduled for noon, will allow the safe demolition of the rock slope adjacent to the westbound Turnpike mainline without jeopardizing worker and motorist safety.

Starting at approximately 11:45 a.m. Turnpike maintenance personnel and State Police will stop eastbound motorists at the Downingtown Interchange (Exit #312) and westbound at the Valley Forge Interchange (Exit #326) and begin a slow-moving pace (approximately 25 mph), eventually bringing eastbound traffic to a complete stop at milepost 318 and westbound traffic to a complete stop at milepost 322 in advance of the 12:00 p.m. blast.

The daytime pace with one 15-minute stoppage is scheduled to occur (Tuesday-Thursday) within the contractor's allowable window of 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. The work is weather permitting and safety related. Unsafe conditions could cause the stoppage to be delayed for the protection of the traveling public and workers on the project.

Motorists traveling the 14-mile stretch of Turnpike between Valley Forge and Downingtown should anticipate daytime restrictions until January; to avoid delays seek alternate routes.

Travel advisories will be posted on the project website as needed at www.paturnpike.com/constructionprojects/r29ramp

or tune to 1040 AM for traveler updates via the Turnpike's Highway Advisory Radio (HAR).

Motorists are urged to stay alert for slow moving traffic and use extra caution when approaching and entering construction zones and obey posted speed limits. Speed limits will be enforced and fines increased.

NEW - TRIP Talk streams audio advisories to iPhone and Droid users on America's First Superhighway. To download the free app, Pa. Turnpike travelers can visit http://www.paturnpike.com/triptalk. Users do not have to create an account, register or sign up with the Turnpike to use TRIP Talk. The app uses your phone's built-in GPS to stream nearby advisories.