Signs to Alert I-95, Turnpike Drivers of Construction

Motorists traveling I-95 and I-276 may have noticed messaging signs and Closed Circuit TVs on portions of the roadways. 

The devices are aimed at keeping drivers up-to-date on the estimated $500 million project, which once complete in 2018, will connect the Pennsylvania Turnpike to Interstate 95, finally completing the nation’s original Interstate Highway System and improving travel through the Mid-Atlantic.

"They will be relocated and activated at the various locations for existing and future construction projects for the PA Turnpike/I-95 Interchange project," Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission Spokeswoman Mimi Doyle told Patch. 

In all, 12 portable dynamic messaging signs and three portable Closed Circuit Television Systems were installed recently, she said. 

The Advance Intelligent Transportation Systems contract, which, according to the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission, will be funded entirely by toll revenues without any tax dollars, was recently awarded to Beth’s Barricades of York to provide a real time travel advisory system as part of the five-year, Stage 1 construction of the PA Turnpike/Interstate 95 Project. 

With construction on the mainline toll plaza (east of the Bensalem Interchange) and Delaware River Bridge Open Road Tolling facility, and associated roadway widening already underway, the addition of the portable technology will provide real time traffic information to drivers approaching and riding through the current work zone and allow the contractor to recalibrate and move devices where they are needed for the duration of Stage 1 construction. 

The portable message signs will be strategically located on the Pennsylvania Turnpike between milepost 341, three-miles east of Fort Washington (Exit #339) and milepost 355, four-miles west of the Delaware River Bridge Toll Plaza (Exit #359). 

On local roads, the portable signs will be located in the general vicinity of the permanent dynamic messaging signs and closed-circuit TVs on State Route 132 (Street Road), US 1 (Lincoln Highway) and US 13 (Bristol Pike) and on the New Jersey Turnpike-PA extension at milepost P.09 eastbound and westbound approaching exit #130. 

Using traffic flow sensors, digital devices can anticipate travel times and plan for alternate routes depending upon the conditions at the time, providing motorists with the necessary information to make informed travel decisions and avoid or minimize delays. 

Travel conditions and other travel-related messages concerning incidents and delays will be displayed 24 hours a day, seven days a week. However higher priority messages will be displayed in the event of a major incident, hazardous weather conditions, AMBER alerts or other emergencies on the Pennsylvania Turnpike, Interstate 95 and the New Jersey Turnpike. 

Drivers are advised to be prepared for bi-directional and intermittent lane closures and reduced speeds of 40/55 mph when traveling within the project limits between Willow Grove and the Delaware River Toll Plaza during construction. 

Visit the Pennsylvania Turnpike Web site at www.paturnpike.com for project updates. Be in the know before you go and call 866.976 TRIP (866.976.8747).