Essential units remain on the scene on I-76 West at milepost 75.8 for an accident involving a flatbed tractor-trailer and a tanker tractor-trailer that happened just before two o’clock Thursday afternoon. A tanker overturned and went down an embankment. Authorities say one person was injured and taken to an area hospital. One lane has been blocked in the area to allow emergency crews to access the scene and that is causing traffic delays. There are currently no hazmat issues. Officials with the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission say that in order to allow for the safe removal of the tanker that went over the embankment and to make repairs to the roadway, they will need to close down westbound lanes between the Breezewood (Exit 161) and New Stanton (Exit 75) interchanges from 11 p.m. until approximately 6 o’clock Friday morning. The following suggested detour will be in place for motorists exiting at the Breezewood Interchange:
- Exit at the Breezewood Interchange (Exit 161) and follow U.S. Route 30 west (18.7 miles).
- Follow I-99 north (30.1 miles).
- Follow U.S. Route 22 west (64.5 miles).
- Follow PA Turnpike Route 66 south (13.9 miles).
- Reenter the PA Turnpike (I-76) at the New Stanton Interchange (Exit 75).
Officials say the more than 100-mile detour is necessary to safely accommodate the volume of diverted traffic, including commercial vehicles. Travelers should expect higher than normal traffic volumes on this detour route during the closure and should plan accordingly.