Southbound Lehigh Tunnel closure scheduled for 11 a.m.

The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission advises motorists traveling on the Northeastern Extension (I-476) to be prepared for single-lane patterns and two-way traffic in the northbound Lehigh Tunnel today from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Between 10:30 and 11 a.m. today, the southbound tunnel will be closed, and traffic diverted into the northbound tunnel until 2 p.m. The restrictions are necessary to allow crews to perform safety inspections at the tunnel, which is located at milepost A70-A71 between Lehigh Valley, exit 56, and Mahoning Valley, exit 74.

Expect delays both northbound and southbound approaching the tunnel until it reopens.

Motorists traveling on I-476 should stay alert when entering the tunnel and turn on 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.

Message boards will be activated to update motorists of any changes to the schedule caused by inclement weather or unforeseen traffic conditions.