Pa. Turnpike Traffic Advisory for Motorists Traveling the Northeastern Extension Near Clarks Summit
The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission advises motorists entering the Northeastern Extension (I-476) from Clarks Summit (Exit #131) to be prepared for a new traffic pattern to begin on Dec. 18 in the work zone at milepost A129.
Starting at approximately 7 a.m., southbound traffic will be switched from the left lane into the right lane. This temporary lane configuration is expected to remain in place until spring 2016. This schedule is dependent on the weather and current construction operations.
Slow-moving traffic paces, with stoppages as needed, will be necessary to complete the traffic switch. The contractor, assisted by State Police, will conduct the moving operations starting from the toll plaza at the Clarks Summit Interchange southbound to the work zone at approximately milepost A130.5.
Construction of the bridge is being completed in three stages to maintain one lane of traffic in both directions during construction. On March 10, a single-lane pattern, closing the right lanes northbound and southbound between mileposts A128-A130 was established to begin construction-related activities in the center of the bridge. The northbound traffic pattern will remain until July 2015.
The changing traffic patterns are part of the $16 million Turnpike project to remove and replace the concrete deck and structural steel on the mainline bridge located at milepost A129.7 in Lackawanna County. These are permanent lane restrictions for the duration of the project with various stages of lane configurations through fall 2016.
Motorists should stay alert for slow-moving or stopped traffic approaching the construction zone when traveling northbound and southbound between the Keyser Avenue (Exit # 121) and Clarks Summit interchanges. Various construction-related activities and single-lane traffic patterns in both directions will continue to impact traffic on I-476 until late 2016.
The posted speed limit through this work zone will be 35 miles-per-hour.
Travel advisories will be posted at www.paturnpike.com and Highway Advisory Radio (1640 AM) will be activated to provide travel updates. In case of an accident, breakdown or other emergency, motorists can utilize the yellow call boxes on the shoulder or dial *11 to receive aid. Be prepared to give your milepost location and direction of travel.
Travelers can get Turnpike traffic alerts by calling 866-976-TRIP (8747) or visiting the live Travel Conditions Map online at www.paturnpike.com/webmap. The Pa. Turnpike’s Smartphone app, TRIP Talk, streams audio advisories to iPhone and Droid users so they can keep their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road. To download the free app, visit www.paturnpike.com/triptalk.