The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission cautions motorists that an 11-mile stretch of the Northeastern Extension (I-476) will be closed in both directions for six hours on Dec. 6 between the Mid-County (Exit #20) and Lansdale (Exit #31) interchanges. The closure is necessary for the protection of motorists and workers during the erection of beams on the overhead ramp-bridge that carries traffic to and from the Lansdale Interchange in Towamencin Township, Montgomery County.
At 12:01 a.m. on Dec. 6, southbound traffic will be diverted off at the Lansdale Interchange. At the same time, northbound access to the Northeastern Extension from Mid County will be prohibited. Motorists wishing to travel north from the Mid-County Interchange or the east/west Turnpike mainline will be directed to exit I-276 at the Fort Washington Interchange (Exit #339) to return to I-476 at Lansdale. The Northeastern Extension will reopen to traffic by 6 a.m.
Prior to the shut-down, motorists traveling northbound from Mid-County and southbound from Quakertown should be prepared for single-lane traffic patterns in both directions approaching the Lansdale Interchange.
Pennsylvania State Police and Turnpike personnel will be positioned at the Lansdale, Mid-County and Ft. Washington interchanges to assist motorists. Drivers can tune to radio 1640 AM for detour information and traffic conditions. Changeable message signs will also provide updated information regarding closures and detours.
DETOURS
- Traveling southbound on I-476 - All traffic must exit at Lansdale Interchange (#31). Turn left onto Sumneytown Pike. At the second light, turn left onto Forty Foot Road (State Route 63-east). Travel 1.5 miles and turn right onto Welsh Road (State Route 63-east) to U.S. Route 309 south to reenter the Turnpike at the Fort Washington Interchange. Travel east on the Pa. Turnpike (I-276) to get to Philadelphia and New Jersey. Travel west on the Pa. Turnpike (I-276) to get to Harrisburg and points west. Motorists bound for I-476 south (Blue Route) to I-76 and I-95 should also follow the Turnpike westbound from Fort Washington, exiting the Turnpike at the Mid-County (Exit #20) Interchange to continue southbound on I-476.
- Traveling northbound on I-476 (Blue Route from I-76/I-95) - Enter the Turnpike at the Mid-County Toll Plaza and continue eastbound on I-276 to the Fort Washington Interchange (Exit #339). Exit the Turnpike and travel north on Route 309. Turn left on Welsh Road (State Route 63-west) and follow the signs to reenter I-476 at the Lansdale Interchange.
- Traveling east or west on I-276 - Exit the Turnpike at the Fort Washington Interchange (Exit #339) and travel north on Route 309. Turn left on Welsh Road (State Route 63-west) and follow the signs to reenter I-476 at the Lansdale Interchange.
The work is part of the Turnpike's total reconstruction and six-lane widening project between milepost A26 and A31. For more information visit:www.paturnpike.com/constructionprojects/mpA20toA31.