The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission advises motorists that a 22-mile stretch of the Northeastern Extension (I-476) will be closed northbound and southbound for six hours early Sunday between Mahoning Valley (Exit 74) and Pocono (Exit 95).

The closure is necessary for the protection of motorists and workers during the placement of beams on the bridge that carries the turnpike over Route 209 and Pohopoco Creek at milepost A76 in Franklin Township.At 12:01 a.m. Sunday, all northbound traffic will be diverted off I-476 at the Mahoning Valley Interchange and traffic traveling southbound at the Pocono Interchange.Prior to the closure, at approximately 9:30 p.m. on Saturday, the contractor will set a single-lane traffic pattern closing the left lane northbound between milepost A74.0 to A76.5. Starting south of the Lehigh Tunnel at milepost A69, Pennsylvania State Police and turnpike maintenance personnel will assist the contractor and conduct a slow-moving pace (25 mph) north to the Mahoning Valley Interchange.If needed, traffic will be brought to a complete stop for no more than 20 minutes in advance of the work area. The northbound pattern will be lifted by 6 a.m. on May 3.