March 20, 2017
Motorists will face some headaches at a busy junction along the Pennsylvania Turnpike over the next month while the express lanes are out of action, transportation officials said.
Monday marked the first full day that the Express E-ZPass lanes are closed at the Mid-County Interchange in Montgomery County. The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission said the closure, which is expected to last until April 10, was necessary to implement upgraded technology.
Turnpike officials warn drivers to "expect delays and make travel plans accordingly" on both the northbound and southbound lanes until the work is completed.
Customers can still use electronic payment by using the E-ZPass lanes at the traditional tollbooths.
Road crews will install overhead electronic tolling equipment during the three-week closure. The construction is the first phase in a three-part project to upgrade the roadway. The final two parts include repairs to the roadway and connection ramps to the eastbound and westbound lanes of I-276. The project is scheduled to be complete in September 2018.
Construction is dependent upon the weather, but crews are expected to work around the clock.
