Variable Message Signs
Highway Advisory Radio System
Media Notification
SmarTraveler ®
Travel Board® InfoCenters
Alternate Routing Plans



Variable Message Signs

The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission currently operates permanent variable message signs at strategic locations along the Pennsylvania Turnpike. These programmable signs are operational 24 hours a day and are controlled from the Commission’s Operations Control Center in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Future plans call for the installation of additional permanent variable message signs to be located at other key points throughout the Turnpike system.

Portable variable message signs are also used throughout the Turnpike system. These portable signs are used for the same purpose as the permanently mounted message boards. The portable signs are mounted to trailers and can be transported very quickly to locations where the need arises.

The variable message signs have proven to be a valuable tool to forewarn travelers of potential delays due to accidents, construction activities, adverse weather conditions, and heavy traffic.
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Highway Advisory Radio System

The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission currently operates a Highway Advisory Radio System with transmitting sites located at various points along the Turnpike system. Located at 1640 AM on the radio dial, the Highway Advisory Radio System provides motorists with the latest, up-to-the-minute reports regarding delays, accidents, weather conditions, and other travel information on the Turnpike and on connecting state and US routes.Remote control signs equipped with special flashing lights are strategically located along the roadway and flash when motorists need to tune in their radios to receive a message relating to possible delays during construction or emergency situations. Additional Highway Advisory Radio sites are planned for other key locations, and eventually the system will be expanded to service the entire Turnpike system. The Highway Advisory Radio System operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.In addition to the permanently mounted broadcast system, the Turnpike Commission has four portable AM broadcasting units that are utilized for special events across the Turnpike system.
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Media Notification

The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission notifies the media of traffic conditions on the Turnpike via fax. Fax messages are sent to traffic advisory services and radio stations, with updates as appropriate. The Commission also provides the same information to large commercial trucking firms utilizing the Turnpike.
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SmarTraveler ®

In 1997, a phone link was established between the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission and the SmarTraveler ® traffic service in the Philadelphia area. SmarTraveler ® is by operated SmartRoute Systems, Inc., a proven leader in providing exceptional "real-time," route specific, multi-modal traveler information. The SmarTraveler ® traffic service is an advanced traveler information system that offers up-to-the-minute, route specific travel information which can be obtained by telephone or via the Internet.Traffic and transit reports regarding conditions on the Turnpike and other major roadways around the city are available weekdays from 5:30 a.m. until 7:30 p.m., while construction and special event information is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Travel time and travel speed information is also available through SmarTraveler. ® SmarTraveler ® also has direct connections to information provided by various other transportation agencies including SEPTA (Southeast Pennsylvania Transit Authority), the Philadelphia International Airport, the Philadelphia Convention Center & Visitor’s Bureau, and the Mid-Atlantic AAA.

When driving in the Philadelphia area, SmarTraveler ® can be accessed by dialing (215) 567-5678. SmarTraveler ® information is available at www.smartraveler.com.SmarTraveler ® is being funded through a public-private partnership between the PENNDOT and SmartRoute Systems, Inc. There is no charge (except personal long distance charges) for anyone to access the system by touch-tone telephone, cellular phone, or via the Internet.
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Travel Board® InfoCenters

Travel Board® InfoCenters are located in each of the 22 service plazas located along the Pennsylvania Turnpike. The travel boards feature a large illuminated map of the Turnpike and provide travelers with directions, distance, and driving times to various Pennsylvania destinations. The travel boards also provide Turnpike interchange and service plaza locations, safety information, and lodging information, along with vacancy indicator lights and a toll-free telephone. An electronic message center allows the Operations Control Center to provide instant and updated information on road conditions and construction on the Turnpike. "Road alert" indicator lights show locations of travel advisories.

Additional Travel Board® Infocenter information is available at www.travelboard.com
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Alternate Routing Plans

The Turnpike Commission’s road closure procedure, "Plan X," is the method by which the Commission, in emergency situations such as multiple vehicle accidents, closes certain sections of the Turnpike and reroutes traffic around the affected sections. The Commission has established pre-approved routes for both commercial and passenger vehicles. Turnpike personnel at affected interchanges will distribute written re-routing directional cards to assist exiting customers.


A roadway closure may be warranted under the following circumstances:
- the road blockage is expected to remain for at least an hour or more;
- the traffic backlog from an accident is lengthy, with no immediate expectation of improved conditions; or
- other situations which would merit road closure in the best judgment of the on-scene Commission personnel and Pennsylvania State Police.
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