News Media Advisory: Invitation to Cover a Montgomery County News Event on Friday March 4

Northeastern Extension Reconstruction and Widening Project to Begin with Groundbreaking Ceremony

HARRISBURG, PA (03/02/2011)(readMedia)-- The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission's $151 million project to replace and widen six miles of Northeastern Extension roadway and replace seven bridges will begin this month. The Turnpike finalized design for the reconstruction and widening project from Mid-County at milepost A20 to Berks Road at milepost A26 in 2009. The three-year project was awarded to Walsh Construction in December, 2010. It is the first section of the Northeastern Extension (I-476) to be completely rebuilt from the ground up.

EVENT: Groundbreaking Ceremony

DATE: Friday, March 4, 2011 - Rain or Shine

TIME: 10 a.m.

LOCATION: 1265-1257 DeKalb Pike, Blue Bell, Pa.

PROGRAM: After brief remarks, dignitaries (including elected officials) will break ground on the northbound side of the Northeastern Extension where the new Route 202 (DeKalb Pike) Bridge crosses over the Turnpike at milepost A23.4. Arrangements are being made for a mini-bus tour of the project area following the ceremony. The tour should last 45 minutes and will make several stops along the route to highlight planned improvements.

SPEAKERS: Turnpike Vice Chairman A. Michael Pratt, Turnpike Commissioner Pat Deon, Turnpike Chief Operating Officer Craig Shuey, Turnpike Chief Engineer Frank Kempf, state legislators and senior executives representing the engineering/construction firms associated with the project.

DIRECTIONS: The ceremony will be held behind Cubby's Canine Castle and Walsh Construction's new field office. The entrance and parking lot is accessible from the driveways between 1265-1257 DeKalb Pike. The buildings are located on the northeast side of the new Route 202 Bridge in Whitpain Township, where it crosses the Northeastern Extension between Jolly Road and Skippack Pike (Route 73). You will be directed to parking.

MEDIA NOTES: Call Turnpike Spokesperson Mimi Doyle 610-239-4117 (office) 610-952-1522 (mobile) or Carl DeFebo 717-645-2265 (mobile) for questions or help with directions. Speakers will be available for one-on-one interviews after the ceremony. Event will be inside a tent and rain or shine. Press kits provided. No direct access to electricity available on site.