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MOTORISTS ARE URGED TO PUT SAFETY FIRST
DURING THE FOURTH OF JULY
HOLIDAY WEEKEND
Harrisburg, PA – As
Americans prepare to celebrate Independence Day, the Pennsylvania Turnpike
Commission reminds travelers that with well over 4.5 million vehicles
traveling the Turnpike over the long weekend, motorists should use extra
caution so they can reach their destinations safe and sound.
“Historically, the Fourth
of July is one of our busiest holiday periods and this year, it falls
mid-week so people will travel throughout the four-day period,” said
Executive Director John T. Durbin. “Customer safety is our greatest
concern and we will do everything in our power to make the journey along
the Pennsylvania Turnpike comfortable, convenient and safe.
In order to accommodate increased traffic volume, all travel lanes on the
Turnpike will be open, with construction and maintenance activity
suspended from 3 p.m. Friday, June 28 to 6 a.m. Monday, July 8.
Additionally, there will be increased Pennsylvania State Police and safety
patrols throughout the entire holiday period, enforcing the
Commonwealth’s traffic laws and assisting motorists.
State Police officers will look for speeders and inattentive, aggressive
and intoxicated drivers. “Rest assured that the Pennsylvania State Police, Troop T
is working closely with the FBI and other Federal, State, and local law
enforcement agencies and is constantly monitoring security advisories
issued across the country. We are taking several proactive steps over the
holiday weekend and are fully prepared to deal with all emergencies,”
said Pennsylvania State Police Troop T Captain David K. Points.
Safety officials suggest that motorists embark on their holiday
travel fully rested. When feeling fatigued, travelers can take advantage
of the ‘Pike’s 21 service plazas, open 24-hours a day and offering a
wide variety of food and services. If
roadway or medical assistance is needed, motorists can contact the
Turnpike’s operation center by using the emergency call boxes, located
at one mile intervals along the entire roadway, or dial *11 on their cell
phones. Should emergencies arise, the Turnpike will implement its Variable
Message Signs (VMS) and Highway Advisory Radio (1640 AM). It is always a
good idea to call the Turnpike’s toll-free customer assistance line at
1-800-331-3414 to check on the latest roadway, traffic and weather
information before leaving home.
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 Tuesday, July 2 to sunrise Monday,
July 8.
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