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June 29, 2001

PENNSYLVANIA TURNPIKE SUSPENDS CONSTRUCTION 
THROUGHOUT BUSY JULY 4 HOLIDAY
Motorists' Safety is Top Priority

HARRISBURG, PA – The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission expects that 4.5 million vehicles will travel the toll road during the July 4^th holiday period beginning at 3 p.m. Friday, June 29 to 6 a.m. Monday, July 9. As a result, all construction and maintenance activity that impacts traffic will be suspended beginning 3 p.m. Friday, June 29.

Because the holiday falls in mid-week, Turnpike officials anticipate increased traffic volumes will last throughout the weekend; therefore, four lanes of travel will be maintained along the entire highway through Monday, July 9 at 6 a.m.

"The July 4^th holiday period is one of the busiest travel times of the year on the Turnpike," noted Turnpike Executive Director John T. Durbin. "Motorists’ safety is our number one concern and when you travel the Turnpike rest assured that there hundreds of service professionals, dedicated to your safety and security, available 24-hours a day."

"We cannot stress enough the importance of using common sense as you travel throughout this busy holiday period," said Pennsylvania State Police (Troop T) Captain David Points. "We encourage motorists to plan ahead, get adequate sleep and allow yourself plenty of time," Points continued. Motorists are reminded to buckle up and obey the speed limit. Points added that the state police would be out in force watching for speeders and aggressive drivers.

Motorists traveling long distances are urged to pull off the highway and take a break. The Turnpike’s 22 service plazas offer a variety of food and drink choices and are open 24-hours a day.

In the event of an accident or emergency, the Turnpike will activate its Variable Message Sign and Highway Advisory Radio Systems (1640 AM) to inform motorists of any problems along the roadway. If motorists require assistance while traveling the Turnpike, emergency call boxes are located at one-mile intervals along the entire roadway.

Motorists can also contact the Turnpike’s Operations Center using their cellular phone, toll-free, by dialing *11 for emergency assistance. Throughout the long holiday period, increased Turnpike maintenance crews will be available to respond to calls for customer assistance and roadway emergencies.

Before leaving for their intended destination, travelers can call the Pennsylvania Turnpike’s toll-free customer assistance line at 1-(800) 331-3414 for up-to-date roadway, traffic and weather conditions.

Over-dimensional vehicles over 8 ½ feet in width, 85 feet in length, 13 ½ feet in height and 100,000 pounds gross weight will not be allowed to travel on the Turnpike from sundown Monday, July 2 to noon on Friday, July 6.

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