Tunnel work could slow traffic on turnpike

Heads up Lehigh Valley residents who plan on traveling the Northeast Extension this week: You’ll likely have delays.

The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission announced Tuesday that if you’re traveling on the Northeast Extension you should be prepared for day-time singlelane patterns and two-way traffic in the northbound Lehigh Tunnel, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., today and Thursday, and 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Friday.

The southbound tunnel will be closed by 9 a.m. each day and all traffic diverted into the northbound tunnel until the patterns are lifted as crews do planned maintenance on the southbound tunnel.

Message boards will update motorists of any changes to the schedule caused by inclement weather or unforeseen traffic conditions.

If the work is delayed, it will take place on the next available day.

The turnpike commission advises motorists traveling on I-476 to stay alert entering the tunnel and have headlights turned on.

Drivers are also advised to slow down, keep an adequate distance from the vehicle ahead and never pass inside the tunnel.

Customers who experience car trouble and cannot safely exit the tunnel should stay in the car, put on the hazard lights and wait for assistance.

Tunnel personnel will monitor closed-circuit cameras and send help for disabled vehicles.