News Release

    June 29, 2017

 

PA Turnpike expects 3.5 million motorists to travel roadway during
Independence Day holiday and weekend

 

HARRISBURG, PA (June 29, 2017) —The PA Turnpike Commission (PTC) reminds motorists that this weekend kicks off Independence Day traffic as travelers take advantage of next week’s Fourth of July holiday.

The PA Turnpike expects approximately 3.5 million vehicles across the system (extensions included) during the six-day period from June 30 to July 5. June 30 is slated to be the most heavily travelled day with approximately 750,000 vehicles on the Turnpike -- followed by July 5 with approximately 650,000 vehicles.

“The Fourth of July brings barbecues, fireworks and family celebrations,” said Turnpike CEO Mark Compton. “It also brings heavy levels of traffic onto our roadway and additional risk. National crash data indicate that the Independence Day holiday is when most motor vehicle deaths occur. We could make this holiday much safer if every driver buckled up and put down their phones, everyone drove the speed limit and no driver was impaired by alcohol.”

Beginning 5 a.m. on June 30 until July 10 at 11 p.m. all lanes in each direction of the Turnpike will be open and available to accommodate heavier traffic volumes. All scheduled maintenance and construction projects will be suspended during these times. Additional personnel will also be scheduled to assist with any debris removal and emergencies.

To help keep motorists safe, the PA Turnpike will be conducting regular Safety Breaks at each service plaza during the summer travel season. Breaks during the Fourth of July holiday will occur:

  • 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Friday, June 30 at the North Midway Service Plaza;
  • 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., Friday June 30 at the South Midway Service Plaza;
  • 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Thursday, July 6 at the Blue Mountain Service Plaza; 
  • 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., Friday, July 7 at the Valley Forge Service Plaza.

To report an accident or other emergencies on the PA Turnpike, dial *11 on your mobile phone. For more information about PA Turnpike conditions or to contact us, use one of these resources:

ON THE PA TURNPIKE

·        Variable & Digital Message Signs — nearly 100 signs along the Turnpike

·        Highway Advisory Radio — 1640 AM (tune-in near interchanges)

BY PHONE

·        Turnpike Roadway Information Program (toll-free) — 866-976-TRIP (8747)

·        Customer Assistance Center (toll-free) — 800-331-3414 (weekdays, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.)

ON THE WEB

·        TRIPTalk — free, travel-alert smartphone app; download at https://www.paturnpike.com/travel/trip_talk.aspx

·        Travel Conditions Map — live, interactive conditions map; view at https://www.paturnpike.com/webmap

·        Waze  — a crowd-sourced navigation app that provides real-time traffic conditions with input from other drivers; download at https://www.waze.com

 

For more information on Turnpike safety click here https://www.paturnpike.com/pdfs/travel/2013_Safety_Brochure.pdf.

 

 
CONTACT: Rosanne Placey
Phone: 717.831.7507