Noon event is final opportunity to walk on this spectacular, 6-lane 'signature' structure.

HARRISBURG, PA. (May 10, 2007) - The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission invites residents to come out on Saturday, May 12 to a free bridge walk and community-fun day on its new Susquehanna River Bridge near Steelton.

The bridge will be open - for pedestrians only - from noon until 4 p.m. during this once-in-a-lifetime chance to walk on the bridge before it accepts vehicular traffic.
This amazing, 6-lane bridge is scheduled to open to vehicular traffic after a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Wednesday, May 16 - making this weekend the last time public foot traffic will be allowed on the mile-long westbound bridge. So lace up your walking shoes, bring the family and get ready for a unique experience with lots of free fun and entertainment.

Come listen to band and choral performances by neighboring school ensembles and see static displays of maintenance and construction equipment. Local police, fire and ambulance equipment and other vehicles will also be on hand. Enjoy lunch at several food-and-drink stands -including a chicken barbecue, hamburgers and hot dogs, and more (food proceeds benefit fire, EMS companies, public schools and other non-profit organizations).
 
Free shuttle-bus transport will be provided from three offsite lots to the event. Offsite parking for the bridge-walk will be at the Greater Harrisburg Youth for Christ, 1000 S. Eisenhower Blvd. and at the Dauphin Highlands Golf Course, 650 S. Harrisburg St. Steelton and Highspire residents can ride a courtesy shuttle from the Steelton-Highspire High School (Swatara St. & Reynders Ave.) directly to the bridge site. Parking at Turnpike headquarters (700 S. Eisenhower Blvd.) is reserved solely for people with disabilities, event staff and volunteers. Parking maps and directions are available online at www.paturnpike.com.
 
Access to the new Susquehanna River Bridge will be granted only via Turnpike headquarters lawn on South Eisenhower Boulevard. All who wish to walk on the bridge MUST enter through Turnpike headquarters west lawn. Pedestrians Only! No bicycles, skateboards, rollerblades, heelys, or scooters allowed. Pets prohibited. Anyone needing special accommodations should contact Chrissy Baker at 717-939-9551, ext. 2850 or via e-mail cjbaker@paturnpike.com

The Once & Done Turnpike Run will also take place Saturday, May 12. The 9 a.m. event will include a 5K Bridge Race, a 1 Mile Run/Walk, and a quarter-mile Kids Fun Run. The event - the first-ever 5K race held on a Turnpike bridge - will benefit the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Pennsylvania and the Pennsylvania Area Council Boys & Girls Clubs. Race registration will be held Friday May 11 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and again from 4-7 p.m. at Turnpike headquarters, 700 S. Eisenhower Blvd. Runners and walkers can also register Saturday morning at 7 a.m. Look for the big white registration tent adjacent to the driveway entrance.

The Pennsylvania Turnpike's Susquehanna River Bridge - scheduled to open to traffic May 16, 2007 - is the state's first major, segmental-concrete bridge. Built at a cost of $84 million, the 1.1 mile-long bridge will carry six lanes of traffic over the scenic waterway, reaching a height of 85 feet at its apex. The twin spans, separated by an 8-foot gap, comprise the Turnpike's premiere signature bridge, replacing a 4-lane structure that opened Nov. 20, 1950.