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An 86-mile stretch of the turnpike will close this weekend

PENNSYLVANIA — The removal of a bridge in Bedford County will lead to the closure of a stretch of the turnpike for about seven hours.

The turnpike will be closed in both directions starting at 11 p.m. on Saturday between New Stanton (Exit 75) and Breezewood (Exit 161). The road will reopen at 6 a.m. on Sunday.

The closure is necessary for crews to safely remove the Country Ridge Road bridge which carries traffic over the turnpike in Bedford Twp., Bedford County. Blasting will be used to remove the bridge and those living in the area have been notified but should expect to hear the blast overnight.

Motorists at the Breezewood and New Stanton interchanges can use these suggested detour routes:

The detour is needed because shorter alternate routes cannot safely accommodate the diverted traffic volumes.

Vehicles will be permitted to enter the turnpike at the Somerset (Exit 110) and Donegal (Exit 91) interchanges and travel westbound. Vehicles will also be permitted to enter the turnpike at Bedford Interchange (Exit 146) and travel eastbound.

Expect higher traffic volumes on detour roads during the closure. Message boards will be placed to inform customers of the closure.