A large portion of the Pennsylvania Turnpike will be closed this weekend, forcing motorists to take an 80-mile detour.
The construction will shut down 18 miles of the Turnpike between New Castle Exit 10 and Cranberry Exit 28 from 9 p.m. on Friday, September 22nd through 4 a.m. on Monday, September 25th.
According to Philly Voice, the 80-mile detour will add over an hour to travel times this weekend, leading Pennsylvania Turnpike CEO, Mark Compton to “strongly advise” drivers to avoid the area.
The road closure will allow for crews to replace the 66-year-old bridge that carries motorists over Bush Creek in New Sewickley Township.
Motorists looking to travel this way over the weekend will be redirected to Interstates 376, 80, and 79.
At the New Castle exit, motorists will be directed to I-376, then to I-80, then to I-79. At the Cranberry exit, the reroutes will be opposite, redirecting first to I-79, then I-80, then I-376.
This is the first of two bridges scheduled to be replaced this year.