Lehigh Tunnel closure scheduled for Thursday

The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission advises motorists traveling on the Northeastern Extension (I-476) to be prepared for daytime single-lane patterns and two-way traffic in the southbound Lehigh Tunnel from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Thursday.

By 8 a.m., the northbound tunnel will be closed and all traffic diverted into the southbound tunnel until 2 p.m. when the patterns are lifted. The restrictions are necessary to allow crews to safely perform tunnel inspections.

The Lehigh Tunnel is located at milepost A70-A71 between the Lehigh Valley, Exit 56, and Mahoning Valley, Exit 74, interchanges.

Message boards will be activated to update motorists of any changes to the schedule caused by inclement weather or unforeseen traffic conditions. If the work is delayed, it will take place on the next available day.

Motorists traveling on I-476 should stay alert when entering the tunnel and turn on their headlights. Drivers are also advised to slow down, keep an adequate distance from the vehicle ahead and never pass inside the tunnel.

Customers who experience car trouble and cannot safely exit the tunnel should stay in the car, put on the hazard lights and wait for assistance. Tunnel personnel will monitor closed-circuit cameras and send help for disabled vehicles.