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C O M M I S S I O N N E W S R E L E A S E |
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Contact: |
Kathy Liebler 717-939-9551 Ext: 2840 |
November 19, 2001 |
PENNSYLVANIA TURNPIKE GEARS OF FOR HARRISBURG, Pa. — The Pennsylvania Turnpike is preparing for the Thanksgiving holiday period — the busiest five days of the year on “America’s First Superhighway.” In preparation, all construction and maintenance projects have been scheduled to provide maximum use of the roadway. Four lanes of traffic (five and six where applicable) will be kept open on the entire Turnpike system beginning at 3 p.m. on Tuesday Nov. 20 until 6 a.m. on Monday Nov. 26. Officials
anticipate that more than 2 million vehicles will use the Turnpike over the
holiday period with the heaviest traffic volumes occurring on Wednesday
evening and on Sunday beginning in the afternoon. Maintenance crews, safety patrols, and the Pennsylvania State Police will boost their forces over the holiday period to assist stranded motorists on the highway. In addition to patrolling for speeders, troopers will be looking for drivers who appear to be sleepy or intoxicated. The 22 service plazas will be open around the clock for motorists in need of restrooms, fuel and food. Capt. David K.
Points, Turnpike State Police commanding officer, urged motorists to wear
seat belts and use child-safety restraints. “Seat-belt and child-restraint
laws will be strictly enforced, especially during peak travel times
associated with the upcoming holiday periods,” he said. “We want
everyone on the Turnpike to safely reach their destinations.” He also
cautioned motorists to obey posted speed limits on the Turnpike and all
roadways, especially considering the increase in the number of cars and
trucks on the road during the holiday. |
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P.O. Box 67676, Harrisburg, PA 17106-7676 Phone: (717) 939-9551 Fax: (717) 986-9649 |