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   

PA TURNPIKE’S HICKORY RUN SERVICE PLAZA’S REHABILITATED
NORTHBOUND PARKING LOT OPENS AHEAD OF SCHEDULE

PHILADELPHIA, PA - - Beginning today, truckers traveling northbound on the Turnpike’s Northeastern Extension (I-476) will again be able to access the newly expanded Hickory Run Service Plaza. The Turnpike Commission announced that the reconstruction of the northbound service plaza parking lots, which began after Labor day, was completed 11 days ahead of schedule. The Hickory Run Service Plaza is located on the Northeastern Extension (I-476) approximately 8 miles south of the Pocono Interchange (exit 35) in Carbon County.

The $4.6 million construction project to rehabilitate and expand the service plaza began in January. The plaza now has new concrete and bituminous parking lots; storm drainage, storm water management basins and oil/water separators; rehabilitated existing ramps; a lengthened southbound acceleration lane; new high mast and conventional lighting. Concrete median barrier, guide rail and signs were also installed.

Turnpike Executive Director John Durbin commented, " We are pleased that the Hickory Run Service Plaza northbound parking lot is opening ahead of schedule. Over the past five years the Turnpike has rehabilitated six of its service plazas for the benefit of the traveling public."

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