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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: |
Carl DeFebo
Kathy Liebler
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November 25, 2003 |
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Harrisburg , PA – The Thanksgiving holiday has traditionally been the PA Turnpike's most heavily traveled periods with more than two million motorists expected to travel on the 531- mile system. This year because of a unique partnership with the King of Prussia Mall, the Valley Forge Interchange, (Exit # 326) may be especially busy. On Black Friday, November 28, between the hours of 6 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. , Turnpike customers exiting at the Valley Forge Interchange will not have to pay their toll. The cost of their Turnpike ride will be paid for compliments of the King of Prussia Mall. Turnpike CEO Joseph G. Brimmeier said, “This unprecedented public/private partnership is a boon to Turnpike motorists exiting at Valley Forge . They will receive a free ride thanks to the King of Prussia Mall. We are very pleased to be participate in this effort.” Turnpike ticket customers taking advantage of this special promotion must still pick up a ticket upon entry onto the Turnpike system and surrender their ticket upon exiting at Valley Forge . E-ZPass members should proceed as normal through the designated lanes – their account will be credited for the amount of the toll. As part of “Toll-Free Friday” the Turnpike will conduct E-ZPass signups inside the mall, located at the first floor entrance to Lord & Taylor. If interested in obtaining an E-ZPass account, customers must have their driver's license, license plate number(s) and a credit card. In order to better accommodate Turnpike customers this holiday period, all lanes of the highway will be free of maintenance and construction activity from 3 p.m. Tuesday, November 25 until 6 a.m. Monday, December 1. There will be extra Pennsylvania State Police Troop T officers and maintenance crews monitoring the highway throughout the holiday, looking for drunk or drowsy drivers and speeders, as well as being available to aid stranded motorists. Drivers are asked to take it easy – obey all traffic laws and drive with care. In case of inclement weather, Turnpike maintenance crews are prepared to work around the clock to keep the highway clear of ice and snow. Before leaving home, motorists are advised to check highway and weather conditions by dialing 1-800-331-3414 or by logging on to www.paturnpike.com to obtain current updates. In order to remain alert, motorists are urged to take frequent breaks at any of the Turnpike's 21 well-lit service plazas, open 24-hours a day, offering travelers a variety of food and travel-related services, from hot coffee to clean restrooms and convenient ATM machines. If emergencies arise, travelers can call for assistance by activating the Emergency Call Boxes, located at one-mile intervals along the entire highway. Cell phone users can reach the Turnpike's Communication Center by dialing *11 (star 1-1) or 1-800-332-3880. Permitted over-dimensional vehicles (over 10 feet in width, 85 feet in length, 13 ½ feet in height, and 125,000 pounds) will not be allowed on the Turnpike from sundown, Tuesday, November 25 to sunrise Monday, December 1. |
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P.O. Box 67676, Harrisburg, PA 17106-7676 Phone: (717) 939-9551 Fax: (717) 986-9649 |
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