Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission advises motorists who travel the Northeastern Extension (I-476) between Mahoning Valley (exit 74) and Pocono (exit 95) that construction work associated with the replacement of two Turnpike bridges in Franklin Township is scheduled to begin the week of Oct. 21.

A contract valued at $22.1 million was awarded to New Enterprise Stone and Lime Co., Inc. of New Enterprise, to replace two bridges:• One carries the Turnpike over State Route 209 and the Pohopoco Creek.• The other carries the Turnpike over Pohopoco Drive.The bridges are located a quarter-mile north of the Mahoning Valley Interchange.This week, the contractor is installing advance warning signs and traffic-control devices and placing temporary concrete barrier to establish a work zone between milepost A74-A78.In the weeks ahead, crews will begin removing existing median barriers, milling and paving the shoulder and median, and installing pavement markings in preparation for the southbound/northbound traffic shift to the east of the bridges.The structures will be replaced in stages to maintain turnpike traffic. Motorists on the turnpike should be prepared for nighttime restrictions and reduced work-zone speed limits.In November, the contractor will install advanced-warning signs and traffic-control devices on State Route 209 and Pohopoco Drive in preparation for construction on the bridges. This work will involve flagger-controlled, single-lane traffic patterns.The bridge over Pohopoco Drive will be replaced in stages and requires the contractor to close Pohopoco Drive and detour traffic.Advanced-warning signs will be activated to alert motorists to the closure and detour. The detour will follow Harrity Road to Fairyland Road to Grange Road back to Pohopoco Drive.Local access on Pohopoco Drive will be available in both directions to the bridge while the detour is in place.Travel advisories will be posted at

www.paturnpike.com and on Highway Advisory Radio (1640 AM). In case of an emergency, motorists can utilize available yellow call boxes on the shoulder or dial *11 to receive aid.Motorists should be prepared to give their milepost location and direction of travel and move their vehicles out of travel lanes if possible.Travelers can get Turnpike traffic alerts by calling 866-976-TRIP (8747) or visiting the live Travel Conditions Map online at

www.paturnpike.com/webmap. The Turnpike's smartphone app, TRIP Talk, streams audio advisories to iPhone and Droid users so they can keep their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road. To download the free app, visit

www.paturnpike.com/triptalk.