News from Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission

For more information contact: Carl DeFebo, 717-920-7176

Project Team to Reveal Sites Being Studied for Potential I-80 Toll-Collection Points

Live, online news conference set for 9:30 a.m. on Aug. 6 followed by regional briefings to discuss specific tolling sites.

HARRISBURG, PA (08/04/2008; 1603)(readMedia)-- WHO: Pennsylvania Turnpike CEO Joe Brimmeier, Pennsylvania Turnpike Chief Engineer Frank Kempf and Project Manager Barry Schoch of McCormick Taylor Inc.

WHAT: A live, online news conference to unveil physical sites being evaluated for potential I-80 tolling locations and other details of the I-80 tolling plan such as proposed toll rates and toll-collection system specifics.

WHEN: Wednesday Aug. 6, 2008, 9:30 a.m. until 11 a.m. (statewide presentation)

WHERE: Media Center, Room 1, East Wing, State Capitol, Harrisburg, Pa.

ONLINE: Internet participants should logon 10 minutes before the 9:30 a.m. start. When you click the link to join, you'll be asked to sign in by providing first and last name, media outlet or organization name and password (i80turnpike). You will see a live image (a podium with U.S. flag in the background) in the upper left and a PowerPoint cover screen on the right. You will need audio capability (headphones recommended) as this is an audio/visual event.

• Link: http://66.206.29.17/turnpike/press.htm
• User Name: your first and last name and media outlet or affiliation
• Password: i80turnpike (case sensitive)

WHY: To announce new details of the proposed I-80 tolling plan such as tolling sites, toll-collection system particulars and toll rates; to encourage public feedback on the I-80 tolling plan.

MEDIA KITS: A comprehensive, online media kit will be available starting at 8 a.m. on Aug. 6 via a "Download Media Kit" link onscreen both before and during the news conference and on the project website, www.paturnpike.com/I80.

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS: Presenters will answer questions electronically via an onscreen link. Clicking on the "Ask a Question" link will enable online guests to e-mail queries directly into the media center any time during the presentation. Reporters in attendance can ask questions after the presentation as time allows.

REVIEW PERIOD: Online reporters will have a 60-minute period to review the toll-locations map (available in the electronic media kit online) so that they can prepare and submit questions during the localized briefings.

LOCALIZED ONLINE BRIEFINGS: After the statewide overview of the plan, three separate, regional briefings will be held to show site-specific details such as potential traffic diversions and impacts to other roadways associated with each tolling site being considered. A separate Q&A will be held at the conclusion of each of the localized briefings.

• 12-12:45 p.m. - West Briefing (covering Ohio line to Clearfield/Penfield Exit 111)
• 1-1:45 p.m. - Central Briefing (covering Woodland/Shawville Exit 123 to Lewisburg/Williamsport Exit 210)
• 2-2:45 p.m. - East Briefing (covering Limestoneville Exit 215 to New Jersey line)

TECHNICAL HELP: Tug Bressler, Digital Technology Specialist, Commonwealth Media Services, 717-783-1271.

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