News Release

Pennsylvania Turnpike Seeks Private-Sector Input on Fiber Network
Turnpike considering a partnership to operate, maintain and market a system it’s developing.

MIDDLETOWN, PA. (APRIL 29, 2019) — The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission — in coordination with the PennDOT Office of Public-Private Partnerships (P3) — this week issued a Request for Information (RFI) seeking private-sector feedback on operations, maintenance and commercialization of a fiber-optic network to be built by the commission along the eastern Turnpike.

The commission is developing two design-build projects for fiber-optic network installation within its right‐of‐way. One project is for installation of 112 miles along the east‐west mainline from Harrisburg to the Delaware River Bridge; the other involves 110 miles of fiber along the Northeastern Extension from Mid County to Clarks Summit. The goal is to have both contacts completed by December 2021. 

“As we modernize communications infrastructure along our system, we are seeking input from the broadband industry regarding operations and maintenance services plus feedback on the marketability of excess communications capacity,” said PA Turnpike CEO Mark Compton. “A P3 could help boost traveler safety by improving our emergency-notification systems during construction backups or traffic incidents.”

The RFI is accessible at www.p3.pa.gov; input will be accepted through 1 p.m. on May 14. The information gathered through the RFI will help tailor final-design decisions for constructing the network and increasing system flexibility to maximize commercialization potential.

“Innovation is a key pillar in our work at the PA Turnpike, and innovative procurement methods hold promise for benefits to travelers as well as potential business partners,” Compton added. “This new infrastructure will also speed the flow of other important Turnpike data including communications and toll transactions.”

In addition to questions involving operations, maintenance and commercialization, the RFI seeks industry input on potential future expansion of the fiber network to cover the western region of the Turnpike system. Examples of questions and themes included in the RFI are:

• What is the preferred contract and payment structure to provide commercialization and/or O&M services? What is the desired number of years for the term of such agreements?
• What are the market needs with respect to the type of network infrastructure (long haul, regional, local)?
• How would the PA Turnpike benefit from entering into a commercialization agreement with a private entity?