Four trucks collided and shut down the Pennsylvania turnpike near milepost 40.8 on the Northeast Extension around 10:20 a.m Wednesday on Interstate 476.
Accident I-476 NB at mile marker 41 (between Lansdale, exit 31 and Quakertown, exit 44) All lanes are blocked. A detour is in effect at the Lansdale Exit # 31 for all NB traffic @PA_Turnpike #paturnpike
— PA Turnpike Alerts (@PATurnpikeAlert) February 21, 2018
At noon the Police were unsure when the lanes would be reopened and warned of major delays. Drivers were told to take Route 63 east to Route 202 north to Route 309 north to Route 663 south to get back on the extension at the Quakertown Interchange (Exit 44). Southbound lanes remained open during the cleanup. Hazmat crews were called to the scene as well, most likely because of leaking diesel fuel from the trucks, authorities said.
Highway Reopened
Detour has been lifted on I-476 NB at Lansdale Interchange, exit 31. All lanes are NOW OPEN. @PA_Turnpike #paturnpike
— PA Turnpike Alerts (@PATurnpikeAlert) February 21, 2018
The Northbound lane was reopened around 1 p.m. Police reported five injuries, but the extent was unknown.
Part of the problem and biggest reason for the delay is the time it will take State Troopers to move the long backup of vehicles behind the accident.
Report Accidents
The Turnpike Commission invites motorists to report an accident or other emergency on the highway network by dialing *11 on a mobile phone.
That stretch of I-476 is slated for a multi-year widening project scheduled to start this month.