PennDOT Launches Online Construction Map for Summer Travelers; Keyword `Construction' on PA PowerPort

HARRISBURG, Pa., May 9, 2005 -- Just in time for the upcoming summer travel season, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) today announced the launch of its online construction map designed to help travelers pinpoint potential trouble spots for delays on interstates and other major routes throughout the state.

"While a $1.3 billion construction season is good news for Pennsylvania in terms of road and bridge improvements, there also exists the potential for travel delays caused by construction work zones," said State Transportation Secretary Allen D. Biehler, P.E. "To help with travel planning, we encourage motorists to visit our online construction map and find the locations where travel delays may exist so they can plan accordingly."

The Web site for statewide work zone information for interstates and other major routes can be found via the PA PowerPort at http://www.state.pa.us/ by typing "construction" as the keyword. Motorists can also get the information from the PennDOT Web site directly at "Statewide Construction Map."

This year's site identifies work zone locations on interstates and other major routes across the state. Clicking on a specific work site will reveal the length of restriction and duration of the work. The site also provides regional telephone numbers for additional information as well as project- specific links to some of the larger projects now underway.

Motorists should plan ahead by checking for possible travel delays, adding extra time into their schedules and having a plan to use alternate routes.

The online map reflects construction projects planned for this summer or those now underway only on interstates and other major highways. It does not reflect all active construction planned for secondary or rural routes.

  PennDOT recommends the following safety tips:

    -- Use turn signals to indicate lane changes.

    -- Vehicles should use the travel (right) lane and pass using the left
       (passing) lane.

    -- Don't tailgate.  Leave at least a two-second space between vehicles
       in good weather.

    -- Buckle up every time you ride in a vehicle.

    -- Follow posted speed limits and slow down in advance of work zones.

    -- Plan extra travel time in case of unanticipated road delays or
       traffic congestion.

    -- Rotate drivers on long trips and make frequent stops to reduce
       fatigue.

    -- Never drink and drive.

To report roadway maintenance concerns on state highways, motorists can call 1-800-FIX-ROAD (1-800-349-7623) toll-free.