Scrap metal spill detours eastbound Pennsylvania Turnpike traffic at New Stanton
Eastbound traffic on the Pennsylvania Turnpike was detoured between New Stanton and Breezewood on Wednesday evening after a tractor-trailer spilled scrap metal on the toll road, according to state police.
Police said the rig’s trailer broke in half at about 5:45 p.m., spilling thousands of pounds of scrap metal in the eastbound lanes of the turnpike in Stonycreek Township, Somerset County.
Westbound traffic wasn’t affected.
All eastbound traffic was being detoured.
Turnpike officials were recommending eastbound motorists exit the turnpike main line at New Stanton and follow Route 119 and Turnpike Route 66 North to Route 22. The 126-mile detour followed Route 22 east, Interstate 99 south and Route 30 east to Breezewood, where travelers re-entered the turnpike.
The eastbound lanes reopened shortly after 11 p.m. Wednesday, according to Turnpike officials.
Jeff Himler is a TribLive reporter covering Greater Latrobe, Ligonier Valley, Mt. Pleasant Area and Derry Area school districts and their communities. He also reports on transportation issues. A journalist for more than three decades, he enjoys delving into local history. He can be reached at jhimler@triblive.com.
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