The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission (PTC) is warning drivers to plan ahead for a 55 hour complete closure of the Turnpike next weekend.

From 9 p.m Friday, October 14 through 4 a.m. Monday, October 17, the Pennsylvania Turnpike 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).

The closure will be for both directions of traffic for approximately 55 hours.

The closure will allow crews to demolish the bridge over Huckleberry Road in South Whitehall Township.

The PTC is recommending that drivers completely avoid the area if possible as the detours will add an hour or more to drive times, but offered the following detour information for those who must travel in the area:

OUTHBOUND 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).