HIGHSPIRE, PA (Jan. 23, 2016) — Due to the ongoing intensity of the storm and to assist in rescuing motorists who have been stranded overnight, the PA Turnpike has closed the roadway in both directions between Breezewood Interchange (Exit #161) and New Stanton Interchange (Exit #75). The closure has enabled additional PA Turnpike maintenance personnel from three different sheds to focus on getting stranded motorists on their way. PA Turnpike teams are being assisted on site by state police, local fire and rescue units and the PA National Guard.
The westbound motorists became stranded sometime between 8:30 p.m. and midnight yesterday behind several jackknifed tractor trailers on the eastern slope of the mountain approaching the Allegheny Tunnel around milepost 123 between Somerset (Exit #110) and Bedford (Exit #146).
Emergency crews have been walking through the backlog of traffic to attend to any medical situations and bring fuel and rations to some drivers.
The PA Turnpike has also banned all commercial vehicles between New Stanton Interchange (Exit #75) and the Delaware River Bridge (Exit #359) and the on the Northeastern Extension (I-476) between the Mid County Interchange (Exit #20) to the Pocono Interchange (Exit #95).
Conditions on the PA Turnpike continue to be extremely hazardous; motorists are strongly cautioned to avoid travel.
If you must travel, check PA Turnpike conditions at www.paturnpike.com; look at the “Active Travel Advisories” ticker at the top. While traveling, motorists can use the Turnpike’s smartphone app, TRIP Talk, available for Android and iPhone users. The app senses your direction of travel and location and plays audio advisories to alert you of stoppages or delays ahead. Travelers can also call the toll-free TRIP line at 866-976-TRIP (8747) for travel and toll information.
To get info on roadway conditions, restrictions or closures, follow the PA Turnpike on Twitter at: @PA_Turnpike.
