Kathy Liebler                         Director of Public Information

    C   O   M   M   I   S   S   I   O   N                N   E   W   S             R   E   L   E   A   S   E

    Contact: Lowman S. Henry, (717) 939-9551, Ext. #2934                        May 21, 1998

ATTENTION RADIO STATIONS:
Voice actualities relative to this news release
are available from the Turnpike's Information
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PA TURNPIKE OPENS ALL TRAFFIC LANES FOR MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND
Motorists urged to use seatbelts as part of 'Buckle Up' America Week!

Harrisburg (PA) -- The Pennsylvania Turnpike will curtail construction activities and open all lanes to traffic over the Memorial Day Weekend. Officials estimate that more than one million vehicles will drive on America's first superhighway during the holiday weekend, which signals the start of the summer travel season.

"Our top priority is the safety and convenience of our customers," said Turnpike Executive Director John T. Durbin. "So we have suspended all construction activity requiring lane closures. That means holiday travelers should not encounter any traffic backlogs caused by Turnpike maintenance or construction work."

Troop T of the Pennsylvania State Police will have extra patrols on duty over the Memorial Day Weekend. "Drivers must obey posted speed limits at all times and should use extra caution due to the heavy traffic expected over the holiday," said Durbin. "Special emphasis is being placed on the use of seat belts and appropriate child safety seats as this is 'Buckle Up' America Week!"

The Turnpike has also placed extra safety and maintenance patrols on duty to assist motorists in need throughout the Memorial Day Weekend. Emergency call boxes are located at one mile intervals throughout the 506-mile Turnpike system. The Turnpike's Operations Center can be called directly, toll free, from cellular telephones by dialing *11 (star-one-one).

Since the Turnpike is frequently used for long distance travel, drivers sometimes become drowsy and even drift off the roadway. "We encourage travelers to stop periodically and relax so they will be refreshed when they resume their trip," said Durbin. "There are 22 multi-concept service plazas along the Turnpike which are open 24-hours per day." A complete guide to services available at each of the Turnpike's service plazas can be found in the Turnpike Traveler, a free publication which is available at every service plaza and at Sunoco stations along the Turnpike.

Travelers can also stop and visit Farmers' Markets located at the New Stanton, Sideling Hill and Valley Forge service plazas on the Mainline and at the Allentown Service Plaza on the Northeastern Extension of the Pennsylvania Turnpike. Farmers' Markets will be open weekends, weather permitting, through November.

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         P.O. Box 67676, Harrisburg, PA 17106-7676         Phone: (717) 939-9551         Fax: (717) 986-9649