Stay safe on Pa. Turnpike during Independence Day weekend
HARRISBURG » The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission reminds motorists that this weekend kicks off Independence Day traffic as travelers take advantage of next week’s Fourth of July holiday.
The PA Turnpike expects approximately 3.5 million vehicles across the system (extensions included) during the six-day period from June 30 to July 5. June 30 is slated to be the most heavily travelled day with approximately 750,000 vehicles on the Turnpike — followed by July 5 with approximately 650,000 vehicles.
“The Fourth of July brings barbecues, fireworks and family celebrations,” said Turnpike CEO Mark Compton. “It also brings heavy levels of traffic onto our roadway and additional risk. National crash data indicate that the Independence Day holiday is when most motor vehicle deaths occur. We could make this holiday much safer if every driver buckled up and put down their phones, everyone drove the speed limit and no driver was impaired by alcohol.”
Beginning 5 p.m. on June 30 until July 10 at 11 p.m., all lanes in each direction of the Turnpike will be open and available to accommodate heavier traffic volumes. All scheduled maintenance and construction projects will be suspended during these times. Additional personnel will also be scheduled to assist with any debris removal and emergencies.
To help keep motorists safe, the PA Turnpike will be conducting regular Safety Breaks at each service plaza during the summer travel season. Breaks during the Fourth of July holiday will occur:
• 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Friday, June 30 at the North Midway Service Plaza;
• 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., Friday June 30 at the South Midway Service Plaza;
• 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Thursday, July 6 at the Blue Mountain Service Plaza;
• 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., Friday, July 7 at the Valley Forge Service Plaza.
To report an accident or other emergencies on the PA Turnpike, dial *11 on your mobile phone. For more information about PA Turnpike conditions or to contact us, use one of these resources:
• On the Pa. Turnpike: Variable & Digital Message Signs — nearly 100 signs along the Turnpike; Highway Advisory Radio — 1640 AM (tune-in near interchanges)
• By phone: Turnpike Roadway Information Program (toll-free) — 866-976TRIP (8747); Customer Assistance Center (toll-free) — 800-331-3414 (weekdays, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.)
• On the Web: TRIPTalk — free, travel-alert smartphone app; download at https://www.paturnpike. com/travel/trip_talk.aspx; Travel Conditions Map — live, interactive conditions map; view at https://www. paturnpike.com/webmap; Waze — a crowd-sourced navigation app that provides real-time traffic conditions with input from other drivers; download at https://www.waze.com
For information on Turnpike safety click here https://www.paturnpike. com/pdfs/travel/2013_ Safety_Brochure.pdf.
Chesco artist at Harrah’s
CHESTER » Chester County painter Laura Litwa is among the artists featured in a new juried exhibition at Harrah’s Casino, Chester. The opening recepition is from 6-8 tonight, Friday, June 30. The group exhibition features paintings and works on paper.
Author interview at Media Theatre
MEDIA » Join Dom Giordano as he hosts author Brad Thor for discussion of his latest book “Use of Force: A Thriller.” This WPHT Speaker Series event is set for 7 p.m. Thursday, July 13, at The Media Theatre for the Performing Arts, 104. E. State St. Tickets are $24 and include a signed copy of Brad’s book “Use of Force.” For tickets, visit www. eventbrite.com and search “Brad Thor” with the location “Media.” For updates on the series held throughout the Philadelphia region, visit www.philadelphia.cbslocal.com/speakerseries
Red Cross announces blood drive sites
The American Red Cross urges eligible donors to give blood this summer for hospital patients in need. Donation sites around Delaware County for late June and early July are:
• Brookhaven: 1-6 p.m. July 5, Faith Community Church, 3515 Edgemont Ave.
• Collingdale: 2-7 p.m. July 7, First Baptist Church, 814 Andrews Ave.
• Essington: 8 a.m.-1 p.m. July 3, Clarion Inn at Philadelphia International Airport, 76 Industrial Highway
• Havertown: 1-6 p.m. June 30, Bon Air Fire Company, 541 Royal Ave.; 3-8 p.m. July 5, Trinity Lutheran Church, 1141 West Chester Pike
• Lansdowne: 8 a.m.-1 p.m. July 2, Masonic Lodge, 27 S. Lansdowne Ave.
• Newtown Square: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. July 6, Trinity Health, 3805 West Chester Pike
• Norwood: 2-7 p.m. July 13, American Legion John Wesley Cross Post No. 507, 20 W. Cleveland Ave.
• Prospect Park: 2-7 p.m. July 5, Prospect Park United Methodist Church, 800 Lincoln Ave.
• Radnor: 9 a.m.-2 p.m. July 3, Radnor Corporate Center, 100 Matsonford Road, Building 4; 10 a.m.-3 p.m. July 7, Cabrini University, Grace Hall, 610 King of Prussia Road
• Thornton: 2-7 p.m. July 3, Bethlehem United Methodist Church, 4 Westtown Road
• Upper Providence: 2-7 p.m. July 5, Reformation Lutheran Church, 102 Rose Tree Road
For information and to schedule an appointment, download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood. org or call 1-800-RED CROSS.