News from Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission

For more information contact: Bill Capone, 717-939-9551, Ext. 3040 or Carl DeFebo, 717-920-7176

Pennsylvania Turnpike Project Team Will Unveil I-80 Improvement Plan

Live, online news conference set for 11 a.m. on July 14.

HARRISBURG, PA (07/11/2008; 1516)(readMedia)--

WHEN: Monday July 14 at 11 a.m.

WHAT: A live online news conference to unveil details of the proposed I-80 improvement plan enabled by tolling under Act 44 of 2007.

WHO: Pennsylvania Turnpike CEO Joe Brimmeier joined by Toll Conversion Project Manager Barry Schoch of McCormick Taylor Inc. and Pennsylvania Turnpike Senior Engineer Project Manager Brian Ranck.

WHERE (online):

http://66.206.29.17/turnpike/press.htm

User Name: (Your First and Last Name and Your Media Outlet)

Password: i80turnpike (case sensitive)

WHERE (in person): Media Center (Room 1, East Wing), State Capitol, Harrisburg

WHY: To announce the plan to renew Interstate 80 by investing more than $2.5 billion over 10 years - four times the current spending level. The plan calls for construction of an I-80/I-99 link, replacement of 60 bridges and renovation of 83 percent of the entire 311-mile interstate in the first 10 years alone.

ONLINE INSTRUCTION: When you click on the link to join the news conference, you will be asked to log in by providing your first and last name and media outlet and the designated password (i80turnpike). You will see a live video image on the left and a Power-Point screen on the right. Please make sure you have audio capability as this is a voice and video event requiring an internet connection. Try to logon to the webcast at least five to 10 minutes before the scheduled 11:00 a.m. start.

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS: Presenters will answer questions posed electronically via a designated link that will appear onscreen during the news conference. Clicking on the "Ask A Question" link will enable online reporters to e-mail queries - at any time during the presentation - directly into the media center. Clicking the link will lead to a question template, asking you to submit your name, media outlet and question. Positive feedback that your message was successfully received will be provided. Reporters in attendance can ask questions in person after the presentation. Online reporters will hear the Q&A as it occurs at the site. Questions will be taken as time allows.

MEDIA KITS: An online media kit, including the news release, presentation PowerPoint, related background sheets and other materials will also be made available through a "Download Media Kit" link that will appear onscreen during the news conference and through the project website at www.paturnpike.com/I80.

TECHNICAL HELP: Tug Bressler, Digital Technology Specialist, Commonwealth Media Services, 717-787-9766.

SOURCE: Pa. Turnpike Media & Public Relations Mgr. Carl DeFebo, 717-920-7176.

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