Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission has recently set up traffic restriction barriers on Interchange Road, Route 209, in Franklin Township, near the Mahoning Valley (Exit #74) associated with the replacement of two turnpike bridges.

On that section of the roadway, the temporary barrier reduces the two-12 foot lanes to one-14 foot lane with a shoulder closure. No flaggers are necessary since one lane remains open.As drivers approach the work zone, traffic goes from one-lane to two-lanes and where the contractor set barriers it goes back down to one-lane which might be confusing to motorists, especially if the roadway is covered with snow.There is approximately a 516 feet taper on the southbound shoulder with the right lane closed approximately 600 feet before the bridge.According to Mimi Doyle, public information manager-east, Pa. Turnpike Commission, "They are working out there even in this weather and this pattern will remain in place for the duration of the bridge project."PennDOT is implementing this single-lane pattern, closing the right lane southbound on Route 209, in advance of the I-476 overpass.A contract valued at $22.1 million was awarded to New Enterprise Stone and Lime Co., Inc. of New Enterprise, Pa., to replace two bridges: One carries the turnpike over SR209 and the Pohopoco Creek, and the other carries the turnpike over Pohopoco Drive. The bridges are located a quarter-mile north of the Mahoning Valley Interchange and will be replaced in stages to maintain turnpike traffic.The bridge over Pohopoco Drive will be replaced in stages and requires the contractor to close Pohopoco Drive and detour traffic. Advance 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.