Dump truck knocks down power lines, snarling Pennsylvania Turnpike traffic

BRISTOL, Pa. — If you're heading into Pennsylvania on Friday afternoon you should find another way other than the Pennsylvania Turnpike.

Pennsylvania State Police Trooper Rathman said a dump truck releasing its load in a construction zone on the Pennsylvania Turnpike around 7 a.m took down utility poles along with power and communications wires.

No injuries were reported. The driver has not been charged.

Pennsylvania Turnpike spokeswoman Kathleen Walter said utility crews are re-stringing wires onto new utility poles. The closure is expected to remain in place through the afternoon rush.

The westbound New Jersey/Pennsylvania Turnpike Extension was closed at the Route 130 exit in Florence, according to New Jersey Fast Traffic's Jill Myra.

Drivers can take Route 130 south, cross into Pennsylvania at the Burlington Bristol Bridge, pick up Route 13 south to westbound Route 132 (Street Road), and then take Route 1 north back onto the westbound PA Turnpike.

Eastbound drivers can reverse the detour to get back to New Jersey.

Contact reporter Dan Alexander at Dan.Alexander@townsquaremedia.com.