Richlieu Bridge Beam Removal Shuts Down Turnpike July 28

The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission cautions motorists that a 7-mile stretch of the turnpike (I-276) will be closed in both directions July 28 between the Bensalem and Delaware Valley Interchanges during the removal of steel girders from the old bridge that carried Richlieu Road over the turnpike at milepost 352.3 in Bensalem Township, Bucks County. 

At 12:01 a.m. July 28, all eastbound traffic must exit at the Bensalem Interchange (Exit 351) and westbound traffic will be diverted off at the Delaware Valley Interchange (Exit 358). Additionally, no traffic will be allowed access to eastbound I-276 from the Street Road E-ZPass Only Interchange in Bensalem. The Pennsylvania Turnpike mainline will be reopened with one lane in each direction by 6 a.m.  

In preparation for the shut-down, the contractor will reduce traffic to one lane between milepost 351-353 on July 27 at 8 p.m. eastbound and 9 p.m. westbound until the patterns are lifted by 9 a.m. July 28. 

Pennsylvania State Police and Turnpike personnel will be positioned at the Bensalem and Delaware Valley interchanges to assist motorists. Motorists can tune to radio 1640 AM for detour information and traffic conditions or call the Turnpike Roadway Information line at (866) 976-8747. 

Changeable message signs will also provide updated information regarding closures and detours. All travelers are encouraged to plan travel accordingly. For emergencies, dial *11 on your mobile phone.

DETOURS

• Traveling eastbound on I-276 – All traffic must exit at Bensalem Interchange (#351). Take U.S. Route 1 south to State Route 132 east to U.S. Route 13 north and reenter the Turnpike at the Delaware Valley Interchange to continue eastbound on I-276.

• Traveling westbound on I-276 – All traffic must exit at Delaware Valley Interchange (#358). Take U.S. Route 13 south to State Route 132 west to U.S. Route 1 north and reenter the Turnpike at the Bensalem Interchange to continue westbound on I-276.

In June, Richlieu Road was closed to traffic and a construction detour put into effect to complete the connection of the new bridge to the existing road and to demolish the 58-year old structure. Traffic will be switched to the new Richlieu Road Bridge in early August.  Demolition of the old structure will continue through September.

The turnpike urges motorists to stay alert and travel at posted speed limits through work zones. Speed limits will be enforced and fines increased. In case of inclement weather, the closure will be rescheduled for Aug. 3-4 with times and detour information still applicable.

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 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, visitwww.paturnpike.com/triptalk.