Kathy Liebler

Manager, Public Affairs & Media Relations


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

Contact:  

Carl DeFebo (717) 939-9551, Ext. 2934

October 9, 2002

 

TRAVEL ADVISORY

Construction Work Limits Exit Lanes 
Available at Harrisburg East Interchange

 One exit lane will be shut down through Saturday Oct. 12.

HARRISBURG, Pa. (Wednesday, October 09, 2002) — The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission announced today that an exit lane at the Harrisburg East Interchange (#19/247) in Dauphin County will be closed this week until Saturday Oct. 12 at 11 p.m., at the latest.

To accommodate peak-period traffic, the lane will be temporarily reopened during rush hour, from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. and again from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

During the lane closure, crews will make improvements to the E-ZPass equipment in the lane. Four exit lanes will be available during the construction, including three standard ticket lanes and one dedicated “E-ZPass Only” lane (Lane #5). If traffic conditions warrant, Lane #5 could be switched to mixed mode, or  “E-ZPass and Tickets.”

Motorists should be aware of the possibility of delays exiting at Harrisburg East, especially during peak periods. All should be aware of the possibility of exiting traffic backing up onto the Turnpike mainline in the Harrisburg area this week. Those traveling past Harrisburg East should stay in the left (passing) lane, and those who intend to exit should get into the right lane well before the off ramp.

To check out road conditions, travelers can visit www.paturnpike.com before they depart or call 1-800-331-3414. To get updates while traveling on the Turnpike, tune your car radio to 1640 AM as you approach an interchange and look for updates on the variable message signs.

To help minimize delays and take advantage of the E-ZPass enhancements, the Turnpike Commission encourages motorists to enroll now in E-ZPass by calling 1-877-PENN-PASS or by  visiting www.paturnpike.com.

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