The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission advises motorists that a portion of Stony Mountain Road near the construction of the turnpike's new SR903 All-Electronic Interchange (AEI) will be closed to traffic and a detour implemented the week of June 24, weather permitting.

The detour will remain in effect for the duration of the $22.4-million project to build the interchange (E-ZPass Only) where SR903 crosses I-476.In addition, motorists traveling on the turnpike between the Mahoning Valley and Pocono interchanges will experience slow-moving traffic paces and stoppages beginning next week. This is because of controlled blasting operations.The weekday bidirectional traffic restrictions will take place June 25-26 between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. and continue Mondays through Thursdays for approximately two months.The closure of the section of Stony Mountain Road is necessary for the protection of the workers and travelers during the excavation of the new ramp and relocation of Stony Mountain Road.Additionally, changes in the elevation of SR903 where it currently connects to Stony Mountain Road will occur over the upcoming 903 traffic phases and will continue until the project is completed in fall of 2014.If weather permits, the contractor is scheduled to close Stony Mountain Road on June 24.Posted detour routes will direct traffic onto Old Stage Road and to 903 north of the work area. Message boards have been activated to alert motorists of the scheduled closure. The turnpike urges the motoring public to stay alert and travel at posted speed limits through the construction-zone areas on 903, Stony Mount Road and I-476.The AEI (new Exit #87) is located nine miles south of the Pocono Interchange (Exit #95) and 13 miles north of the Mahoning Valley Interchange (Exit #74).The project to build the 903 AEI is funded wholly by turnpike toll revenues without any state or federal tax dollars and is being built by New Enterprise Stone & Lime Co. Inc., of New Enterprise, Bedford County.Interested parties can visit the project website for traffic updates, travel advisories and to sign up for E-ZPass at:

www.paturnpike.com/constructionprojects/RT903_All_Electronic_Interchange.