Drivers on Route 413 in Middletown hit a serious snag Wednesday when a reported gas leak shut down the northbound lanes between the Newtown Bypass and Tollgate Road, turning a routine trip into a waiting game. Southbound traffic was allowed to roll again, but officials urged motorists to steer clear of the area while utility crews worked to make things safe. As of the latest update, there was still no estimated time for the northbound side to reopen.
In a Facebook alert Wednesday, the Middletown Township Police Department said utility crews were on site and promised to "provide updates as they become available." Police asked anyone who could do so to pick an alternate route and avoid the closure zone.
Traffic and detours
The closure hits PA-413 (Newtown‑Langhorne Road), a busy state route that is no stranger to maintenance work and detours. According to PennDOT District 6, motorists can use 511PA to check live traffic conditions and see official detour information.
What drivers should do
Police urged drivers to avoid the stretch of Route 413 between the Newtown Bypass and Tollgate Road and to follow directions from emergency and utility crews working the scene, as stated in the department's Facebook update. Anyone who absolutely has to travel through the corridor should expect delays and build extra time into their trip until the northbound lanes are cleared.
The Middletown Township Police Department said it will continue posting updates on its Facebook page as the situation develops. Motorists can also check PennDOT District 6 and 511PA for the latest information on detours and road conditions.
