The Pa. Turnpike Commission has postponed closing the Turnpike westbound between the Breezewood (Exit #161) and New Stanton (Exit #75) interchanges to Jan. 28. The delay is needed to allow workers more time to prepare for the recovery of the tractor trailer so the roadway can be reopened as quickly as possible. The closure will go into effect at 9 a.m. and last approximately three hours.
The closure is necessary to recover a tractor trailer that is over an embankment near milepost 156 in Bedford County. Traffic will be detoured off at Breezewood Interchange to reenter the Turnpike at New Stanton Interchange. The more than 100-mile detour is needed because shorter alternate routes cannot safely accommodate the diverted traffic volumes.
The accident happened over the weekend and crews are now able to safely retrieve the tractor trailer from over the embankment. The recovery is expected to take approximately three hours, but the roadway will remain closed for as long as it takes to remove the wreckage.
The suggested detour for westbound traffic is: Exit at Breezewood Interchange, take I-70 east 24 miles to exit 1A (68/40 West, Cumberland, Maryland, 65.5 miles) to exit 14B (Uniontown) following 40 west to U.S. 119 north (63 miles) to reenter the PA Turnpike at the New Stanton Interchange. Be alert for possible changing travel conditions along alternate routes; travel at a speed suitable for prevailing roadway and weather conditions.
Traffic entering Bedford Interchange (Exit #146) and points west of Breezewood can still travel westbound on the Turnpike.
Expect higher traffic volumes on detour roads during the closure. Message boards will be placed to inform customers of the closure, and Highway Advisory Radio broadcasts at station 1640 AM also are being used to inform travelers.
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, will stream audio traffic advisories to iPhone and Droid users. To download the free app, visit www.paturnpike.com/triptalk
