Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission reports that motorists traveling on the Northeastern Extension of the Pa. Turnpike (I-476) north from Mahoning Valley (exit 74) and south from Pocono (exit 95) will experience slow-moving traffic paces and stoppages for controlled blasting operations on the northbound side of I-476 Wednesday, conditions permitting.

The weekday bidirectional traffic restrictions will begin at 12:45 p.m.Turnpike maintenance personnel and Pennsylvania State Police will stop motorists traveling northbound at the Mahoning Valley interchange and southbound at the Pocono interchange then begin a slow-moving traffic pace (approximately 25 mph), bringing traffic to a complete stop northbound at milepost A-85 and southbound at milepost A-89 in advance of the blast zone.Motorists leaving the Hickory Run service plaza to continue northbound on I-476 will be stopped on the ramp and local traffic will be stopped on State Route 903.Traffic paces and one stoppage of up to 20 minutes will be necessary to safely complete blasting operations without jeopardizing worker and motorist safety.The contractor will comply with the Turnpike's system-wide holiday lane restriction moratorium for construction projects Nov. 26 through Dec. 2.The general contractor building the All-Electronic Interchange where State Route 903 crosses I-476 at milepost A-87 began excavating northbound on I-476 for the new ramps in June. Construction activities on the future northbound deceleration ramp to the tolling facility were suspended over the summer while utilities were relocated.The work is weather sensitive and may be delayed or rescheduled.The anticipated weekly blasting schedule and periodic travel advisories will be posted on the project website at:

www.paturnpike.com/constructionprojects/Rt903AEI.Motorists traveling the 21-mile stretch of I-476 between Mahoning Valley and the Poconos should continue to anticipate traffic restrictions for various construction-related activities for the duration of the project.