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May 17, 2001

TURNPIKE COMMISSION HEIGHTENS PUBLIC AWARENESS 
EFFORTS DURING CONSTRUCTION SEASON

May 17, 2001 – As the construction season moves into full-swing across Pennsylvania, the Turnpike Commission wants to remind the public of the variety of information resources that are available for the total reconstruction project underway in Westmoreland County between Mileposts 76 to 85, from New Stanton (Interchange 8) to Donegal (Interchange 9).

To keep Turnpike travelers informed of construction activity and temporary traffic patterns utilized throughout this nine-mile reconstruction project, the Turnpike Commission offers several tools to provide public access to current construction and traffic information 24-hours a day, seven days a week.

• A project-specific Web site has been set-up at www.paturnpike.com/rt7685. The Web site provides a detailed description of traffic patterns and planned construction activity throughout the project area. It also provides an email page to enable the user to forward their comments, questions and concerns about the project to the Turnpike Commission for a response.

• "Real time" traffic cameras provide viewers with snapshots of traffic flow throughout the project area on the Web site. The traffic flow snapshots are updated every 60 seconds and are available 24 hours a day. There are three cameras stationed throughout the project area.

• A toll-free project information hotline is available. By dialing, 1-866-"The Pike" or 1-866-843-7453, the public can receive the most up-to-date report on current construction and traffic restrictions in the project area. This information is updated on an "as needed" basis, which means several times a day, or at a minimum, once a week.

• A project-specific brochure is available by request on the Web site. The brochure serves as an additional information resource for this total reconstruction project. The brochure contains information on the current project status, the various stages of construction and other pertinent project information. The brochure will be updated as construction progresses through the various stages.

In addition to these project-specific tools, the Turnpike continues to employ the Highway Advisory Radio Station Service, electronic message boards, directional signage and *11 emergency cellular phone service as guides and safety features throughout the entire PA Turnpike system.

Angelo Iafrate Construction Company of Warren, Michigan is the Turnpike’s general contractor on this $50 million project to completely reconstruct nine miles of the original Turnpike roadway. The contract also includes the rehabilitation of four bridges, installation of concrete median barrier, drainage and guiderail. The Turnpike is utilizing Pennsylvania-based KCI Technologies, Inc. for construction management/inspection services and public information services. This project is on schedule for completion by late 2002.

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 P.O. Box 67676, Harrisburg, PA 17106-7676         Phone: (717) 939-9551         Fax: (717) 986-9649