- For years, the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission (PTC) has recycled tires, rubber byproducts and metals from highway clean up; fluorescent lights from tunnel re-lamping; and used batteries, fleet tires, and guide rails.
- Large slabs of the original highway are being excavated and crushed into an aggregate material which can then be used in the sub-base of the new roadway. The PTC also utilizes "fly ash," a byproduct of steel used in concrete mixes to help lubricate and strengthen the mixtures.
- Any time wetlands are disturbed during a project, the PTC replaces or rebuilds them to accommodate plant life and wildlife in the area. Preservation activities have included special bat or bird boxes for protection, tree plantings and a mixture of grasses and wild flowers to attract pheasants and other wildlife.
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OUR Environment
The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission (PTC) has long recognized that its operations, maintenance and construction efforts impact the environment. We remain committed to becoming one of the most environmentally conscious tolling agencies in the nation by conserving energy, focusing on fuel efficiency and protecting our environment on behalf of our customers and all Pennsylvanians.
CONSERVING ENERGY
As a strong advocate of environmentally safe practices, the PTC has found numerous ways to reduce its carbon footprint:
- In 2002, the PTC became the first toll-road agency to purchase 2.7 million kilowatt hours of wind-generated power. The PTC continues to rely on wind power today.
- The PTC’s renovated Central Administration Building was the first “Certified Green” state office building in the Commonwealth and has received Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification.
- In 1994, the PTC became the first public agency in PA to adopt a comprehensive alternative-fuels program, including the use of smart fuels and the purchase of 600 bio-diesel powered vehicles and 66 propane powered vehicles. The PTC opened the first public-access E-85 pump in 2007 as well, helping lead the way toward use of cleaner fuels.
IMPROVING AIR QUALITY
With the implementation of electronic toll collection across the PA Turnpike system, approximately 1,000 vehicles per lane can be processed in one hour as opposed to 250 with the ticket system. Electronic toll collection dramatically reduces the idling time of vehicles at toll plazas, improving air quality.
TREADING LIGHTLY
In an effort to peacefully coexist, we take many steps to minimize potential disturbances to thousands of residents and businesses that border the Turnpike:
- Before and during construction, we go the extra mile to lessen disruption to people who live next to the road, reducing dust and debris, keeping construction noise reasonable, and carefully respecting the flora and fauna who share the land.
- When improving the highway, we follow accepted state and federal guidance concerning noise analysis and mitigation. When necessary, we build barriers in line with the criteria to ease highway sound.
- As part of our reconstruction initiative, we take measures to responsibly manage storm-water runoff from the roadway, reducing impacts not only to residences, but to neighboring waterways and aquatic life as well.