Alert: A Section of PA Turnpike Will Be Closed This Weekend

If you plan on traveling to the Poconos and other spots north of Allentown, PA, be aware that according to the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission, an 18-mile section of Northeast Extension of the turnpike will be closed in both directions for approximately 55 hours this weekend.

The closure is due to the demolition of an existing bridge and the completion of a replacement, which has been under construction since 2018.

The PA Turnpike Northeast Extension will be closed "between the Lehigh Valley Interchange, Exit 56, and the Mahoning Valley Interchange, Exit 74, on the PA Turnpike’s Northeastern Extension (I-476)" starting at 9pm tonight and continuing through 4am on Monday, Sept. 9.

Detours will be set up to route motorists around the closure.  The PA Turnpike Commission has posted the following info on it's website...

SOUTHBOUND DETOUR - LOCAL TRAFFIC:

Exit at Mahoning Valley Exit #74 and take U.S. Route 209 North to State Route 33 South (21.2 miles). Follow Route 33 South to U.S. Route 22 West (18.4 miles). Follow U.S. 22 West and reenter I-476 South at Lehigh Valley Interchange #56 (15.8 miles).

SOUTHBOUND DETOUR - THROUGH TRAFFIC:

Exit at Pocono Exit #95 and take Interstate 80 East to State Route 33 South (25.5 miles).  Follow State Route 33 South to U.S. Route 22 West (23.6 miles). Follow U.S. Route 22 West and reenter I-476 South at Lehigh Valley Interchange Exit #56 (15.8 miles).

NORTHBOUND TRAFFIC:

Exit at Lehigh Valley Exit #56 and take U.S. Route 22 East to State Route 33 North (16.5 miles).  Follow State Route 33 North to Interstate 80 West (24.5 miles).  Follow Interstate 80 West and reenter I-476 at Pocono Interchange Exit #95 (25.1 miles).

The commission also warns that "work schedules are subject to change based on weather conditions."  You can find updates here.