Turnpike's Advanced Traveler Information System Up And Running
By Lowman S. Henry

Variable message signs, the first component of the Pennsylvania Turnpike's new Advanced Traveler Information System (ATIS), are now up and running in the Philadelphia area.

The signs are part of what will be an extensive network of signs and highway advisory radio stations which will be used to alert travelers to construction activities, adverse weather conditions, heavy traffic, and related delays.

"The first variable message signs are in place and operating along the mainline near Philadelphia and on the Northeastern Extension of the Turnpike," said John T. Durbin, the Turnpike's executive director. "These signs are just the first component of a system that will allow us to offer our customers real time traffic information while they are on the road."

According to traffic engineering manager Tim Scanlon, the variable message signs can be programmed from the Turnpike's communications center near Harrisburg. "The beauty of this system is that all the variable message signs and the highway advisory radio stations can be programmed from one central location. This gives us the ability to coordinate the information which will be passed along to motorists allowing us to better manage traffic flow," Scanlon explained.

Measuring 10'9" high by 30'9" wide, the variable message signs will be activated when there is information to be communicated to travelers.

Three variable message signs are now on-line on the Turnpike including one near milepost # 323 eastbound near the Valley Forge Service Plaza and one near milepost # 337 westbound near the Fort Washington Interchange. The third unit is located near milepost A3.6 on the Northeastern Extension near the junction with the Turnpike's mainline. A variable message sign owned by the Turnpike on Interstate 70 near the Breezewood Interchange also ties into the ATIS system.

The Turnpike's new highway advisory radio (HAR) system in southeastern Pennsylvania is also nearing completion. Transmitters have been installed at the Downingtown, Valley Forge, Mid-County, Willow Grove and Lansdale interchanges. The units will become operational once a frequency is assigned to the Turnpike by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).

Signs have been installed at nearby interchanges to alert motorists when special traveler information is being broadcast on the highway advisory radio system. Stationary wording on the signs state: "Urgent message when flashing, tune radio to (frequency of nearby HAR)". Two amber lights affixed to the sign will flash when travelers are to tune in.

"In addition to Turnpike information, the HAR units are programmed to allow us to rebroadcast information directly from the National Weather Service," said Scanlon. "This will allow us to provide travelers with up-to-the-minute information during weather emergencies."

Additional variable message signs and HAR units will be built over the next few years at key locations across the central and western parts of the Turnpike's mainline. Construction of the ATIS system is being financed by a $3 million federal grant and by $750,000 in Turnpike fare dollars.

A number of major construction projects are set to begin in southeastern Pennsylvania, making it the logical section of the state to first receive the variable message signs and highway advisory radio units.

Work on the Schuylkill River Bridge/Diamond Run Viaduct Project" is now slated to begin in late spring and will involve $40 million in improvements to the bridge and viaduct which are located between the Valley Forge (#24) and Norristown (#25) interchanges.

Meanwhile, design work is underway for the balance of the Advanced Traveler Information System. "Additional variable message signs and HAR units will be brought on-line as rapidly as possible," Durbin concluded. "This is part of our ongoing commitment to utilize the latest technology to ensure that our customers have the safest, most pleasurable trip possible when traveling on the Pennsylvania Turnpike."

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