Tractor-trailer crash shuts Pa. Turnpike between Irwin-Monroeville for hours

A crash involving a tractor-trailer early Friday shut down the westbound lanes of the Pennsylvania Turnpike between the Irwin and Monroeville exits for several hours.

The wreck was cleared and all lanes between Exits 67 and 57 were reopened by 9 a.m., according to PennDOT.

The crash was reported at about 6 a.m. when the driver lost control and hit a guide rail near mile marker 62. State troopers said the tractor disconnected from the trailer and the trailer went over an embankment while the tractor continued west before overturning.

The driver had minor injuries and will be cited, police said. He was taken by ambulance to a hospital.

Friday’s delays caused by the wreck come on the what is expected to be the busiest day for travel during the Fourth of July weekend.

AAA estimates about 43.2 million people will travel nationwide by motor vehicle — 2.4% more than last year and 4% more than 2019. A dip in gas prices since last summer is helping to fuel the decision on how people travel.

In Pennsylvania, the heaviest traveled road is expected to be the Turnpike.

According to the Turnpike Commission, travelers are expected to exceed last year’s totals by 300,000 vehicles, reaching 5.9 million for the holiday week. Friday is expected to be the busiest day, with 750,000 vehicles.

That was expected to drop to about 510,000 vehicles on Sunday but climb throughout the holiday week, with another 710,000 vehicles expected for July 7, Turnpike officials predicted.