PA Turnpike Commission Fiber Optic Network

Fiber Optic Network Will Boost Connectivity, Support Safety, and Mobility Along our Roadway

The Need for a Fiber Optic Broadband Network

The PTC has a challenging task of providing communications and connectivity for internet, voice, and data between its buildings, tolling points and roadside devices. The Commission has over 563 miles of roadway and nearly 700 sites requiring communications including 4 office buildings, 23 maintenance sheds, 17 service plazas, 68 tolling locations, 40 microwave towers, 5 tunnels, and over 504 individual roadside equipment locations. Since 2003, the communications needs have increased dramatically with a 14% average annual bandwidth growth, 24% average annual increase in the number of devices, as well as a 212% average annual increase in storage demands. The current system of utilizing leased lines and microwave towers has limited capacity due to radio spectrum availability and geographic challenges given the proximity between existing infrastructure and the ever-increasing roadside equipment sites. A state-of-the-art, fiber optic communications network is needed to accommodate future needs resulting from all-electronic tolling, intelligent transportation system device growth, and connected and automated vehicles.

Bridging the Digital Divide

The PA Turnpike traverses rural areas that are significantly underserved with broadband infrastructure. Historically, telecommunications companies have not extended broadband to these areas because it was not profitable based on the limited number of customers and the distance from existing infrastructure in more densely populated areas. Underserved areas also include customers with only one choice for high-speed internet, which results in a lack of competition and cost-prohibitive rates. Residents and businesses in these areas are at a disadvantage compared to those who have multiple choices for high-speed internet. This phenomenon is known as the “digital divide” which the PTC fiber optic network will help address by extending fiber optic cable through rural areas which have been previously overlooked. A private sector partner will identify such opportunities to extend commercial fiber optic infrastructure beyond the Turnpike’s right of way to serve nearby businesses and residents.

Fiber Optic Broadband Network

The PTC completed its Eastern Fiber Optic Broadband Network in 2023. The Eastern Network consists of 220-miles of fiber optic cable extending along the eastern part of the mainline PA Turnpike from the Harrisburg East Interchange to the Delaware River Bridge (I-76, I-276, & I-95) and the entire Northeast Extension (I-476) from Plymouth Meeting to Clarks Summit.

Fiber Optic Broadband Network Under Construction

In 2023, the PTC bid contracts to extend the fiber optic network west of Harrisburg to the Ohio border. The 325-mile Western Network will include the mainline PA Turnpike from the Harrisburg East Interchange to the Ohio border (I-76), Amos K. Hutchinson Bypass (PA 66), and Beaver Valley Expressway (I-376).

The timing of the extension of fiber throughout the Mon-Fayette Expressway (PA 43) is yet to be determined.

PA Turnpike Commission’s Operations, Maintenance, & Commercialization Partners

The PTC initiated a separate competitive procurement for Fiber Operations, Maintenance, and Commercialization (FOMC) services for a 25-year term, which was awarded to Plenary Broadband Infrastructure, LLC (PBI). A notice to proceed was issued to PBI on February 24, 2021.

The PTC FOMC agreement is the first public-private partnership revenue-risk broadband project in North America. The FOMC contract includes a commercial net revenue share between the PTC and PBI, which is also subject to a minimum revenue guarantee. The contract enables PBI to provide lit fiber services, lease dark fiber, market empty ducts, and install new cell towers within the PTC’s right of way subject to PTC approval on a case-by-case basis. PBI is also responsible for operations and maintenance services for PTC fiber optic infrastructure, which include repairs, mark-out services, fiber construction, and fiber management system maintenance.

PBI and its partner Tilson Infrastructure will be responsible for commercializing additional fiber capacity along the route and developing network infrastructure that will provide increased connectivity for the region. For more information about Plenary Americas visit Plenary Americas. For more information about Tilson Infrastructure visit Tilson Infrastructure.

Tilson Technology Management, Inc. is the O&M provider that will also handle part of the operational contract. For more information about Tilson visit www.tilsontech.com.

Fiber and Conduit Details for Western Fiber Optic Network

The fiber and conduit infrastructure includes a bundled 8-way micro-duct with three 288-count fiber optic cables:

• Two 288-count fiber optic cables and two empty micro-ducts for PTC use
• One 288-count fiber optic cable and three empty micro-ducts for the commercialization

Micro-Trench Details for Western Fiber Optic Network

• Micro-trench to be installed in shoulder, five feet from white line
• Depth of trench is 16 inches with 13 inches of cover