Carl DeFebo
Manager, Media and Public Relations

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

Contact:

Kay Jenkins Rew
610-292-3788

June 30, 2005


 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

PA TURNPIKE PREPARED FOR AN ONSLAUGHT OF MOTORISTS

ATTENDING SATURDAY'S LIVE 8 CONCERT

Philadelphia, PA (June 30, 2005)– With over one million people expected to attend this weekend’s Live 8 Concert in Center City Philadelphia, officials at the Pennsylvania Turnpike are prepared to manage the many motorists from all over the country who plan to reach Center City via the Turnpike.

Pennsylvania State Police Commander, Eastern Patrol Section, Troop T Lt. Thomas F. Traister said, “We are prepared to do everything in our power to see that this tremendous volume of traffic can move safely and as swiftly as possible through our tolls.”

Concert hours along the Ben Franklin Parkway are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, July 2.  However, live local performances will not begin until noon.

Officials expect the heaviest Turnpike traffic flow at the Valley Forge (Exit #326 leading to the Schuylkill Expressway) and Mid-County (Exit #20 leading to the Blue Route 476)) Interchanges. Drivers who are familiar with this area are advised to consider taking alternate routes in order to alleviate some of the heavy traffic at the interchanges.

There will be extra Pennsylvania State Police and Turnpike maintenance crews all along the Turnpike, as well as extra fare collection personnel at the interchanges. In order to quickly respond to motorists experiencing difficulties, tow trucks will be standing by. However, motorists are advised to look for possible delays in the Philadelphia area.If backlogs occur, travelers should look for updated traffic information on the ‘Pike’s Variable Message Signs located in highly visible, key locations as well as monitoring the Turnpike’s Highway Radio Advisory at 1640 AM and SmarTraveler traffic reports on KYW 1060 AM. Additionally, the Turnpike’s Web Page (www.paturnpike.com) will be continually updated with new information concerning any backlogs or traffic tie-ups. Troopers and maintenance personnel are prepared to reroute traffic if the need arises.

Officials ask that drivers exercise extreme caution as they drive through the Philadelphia area on Saturday. Lt. Traister added, “We want everyone to reach their destinations safely so please have patience, treat everyone on the road with courtesy, and obey Pennsylvania’s traffic laws.”  

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