Turnpike in western, Pa., to close for bridge removal

DONEGAL, Pa. (AP) — The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission will close the turnpike in both directions in western Pennsylvania so workers can remove an unsafe bridge.

The commission says motorists will be detoured between the Donegal and Somerset exits from 11:45 p.m. Saturday to 6 a.m. Sunday, weather permitting.

Workers will remove a Department of Conservation and Natural Resources bridge that carries hikers on the 70-mile Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail. The 40-year-old bridge was closed in mid-December because of structural deficiencies.

DCNR spokesman Terry Brady says removal will cost about $170,000 and replacement about $1.5 million. He couldn’t say when the new bridge will be built, but requests for proposals will go out in Feb. 2011.