As East Coast Braces for Potential Blizzard, Transportation Authorities Gear Up to Keep Drivers Safe & Roadways Clear

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Friday, January 22^nd, 2016
CONTACT: Bill Cramer, Communications Director
202-659-4620 x26 | 202-210-2962 (mobile)

MEDIA AVAILABILITY:  Winter Weather Travel Advisory
 

Patrick D. Jones, Executive Director and CEO, International Bridge, Tunnel and Turnpike Association,
Available for Interviews on Winter Weather Travel Preparations Taking Place on Toll Roads Across the Country

WASHINGTON, D.C. – In advance of what the National Weather Service is predicting to be blizzard conditions along the East Coast today through the weekend, tolling authorities throughout the region are shifting into high gear to prepare for the extreme, winter weather developments. 

“Toll facility operations sweat the details, plan well ahead, have the necessary tools and equipment needed for severe weather events and know how to use them,” said Patrick D. Jones, Executive Director and CEO of the International Bridge, Tunnel and Turnpike Association (IBTTA).  “Our tolling authority members throughout the country, particularly this weekend along the East Coast corridor, are taking this winter weather advisory very seriously. Tolling authorities take a consistent, serious and professional approach to emergency preparedness and response. Roadway and maintenance crews have been training and preparing for this type of situation for years. Toll road customers can expect a strong emphasis on traffic safety and road clearance. Please pay attention to any roadway advisories and guidance.”

WHAT:                  National Transportation Expert Available to Discuss Winter Weather Planning Underway on Major East Coast Travel Corridors

WHO:                    Patrick D. Jones, Executive Director and CEO of the International Bridge, Tunnel and Turnpike Association available for interviews from Washington, D.C.
** To book Patrick D. Jones for an interview, please contact Bill Cramer at [email protected] or via phone at 202-210-2962 (mobile). **

According to IBTTA’s “2015 Report on Tolling in the United States,” the fatality rate on toll roads throughout the country is about one-third (0.50) the rate of all U.S. roads (1.47 per 100 million vehicle miles traveled.)  One major reason for the improved safety on toll roads is because they are typically operated centrally on a 24-hour basis from modern operations centers linked to dedicated maintenance, emergency response and police personnel. In fact, more than $14 billion in capital investment was made over three years by the top 40 U.S. toll facilities.

For example, the fatality rate on the Pennsylvania Turnpike is about one-fourth the fatality rate for all national roadways: 0.27 (PTC) versus a national rate of 1.12 fatalities per 100 million vehicle miles over the past 5 years. Furthermore, when compared to all roadways within Pennsylvania, the Pennsylvania Turnpike has about one-fifth of the fatality rate. The fatality rate on all Pennsylvania roads over the last 5 years is 1.25 fatalities per 100 million vehicle miles.

In May 2015, IBTTA brought together experts for a panel discussion and presentation on the “Interagency Emergency Operation Support” for roadway operations, maintenance, and manager personnel interested in collaboration amongst agencies, dealing with emergencies, and learning lessons from industry experience. 

The webinar and presentation (available online, here) focused on lessons learned during a major snow emergency in November 2014 in Buffalo, New York and how collaboration between tolling authorities on snow removal assisted in helping drivers stay safe and roadways remain clear. 

###

About IBTTA

The International Bridge, Tunnel and Turnpike Association (IBTTA) is the worldwide association for the owners and operators of toll facilities and the businesses that serve them. Founded in 1932, IBTTA has members in 20 countries on six continents. Through advocacy, thought leadership and education, members are implementing state-of-the-art, innovative user-based transportation financing solutions to address the critical infrastructure challenges of the 21st Century. For more information, visit www.ibtta.org or join us on Twitter @IBTTA or #TollRoads.