September 2014

The Top 3 facts customers don't know about E-ZPass®

One of the most surprising findings in a recent survey of E-ZPass® customers is that nearly half of users don't realize that using E-ZPass actually saves them money. Here are the top three facts that customers don't always know about E-ZPass:

1. Forty-eight (48) percent of existing customers don't realize cash tolls cost more than E-ZPass tolls. An E-ZPass customer may pay up to 50 percent less on a single trip.

2. E-ZPass transponders are available at all Ohio Turnpike Service Plazas and online. Tell your friends and family members so they can share in the savings!

3. E-ZPass is valid for use in 15 states: Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Virginia and West Virginia. E-ZPass is now also accepted at the three bridge crossings of the Niagara Falls Bridge Commission (Rainbow, Queenston and Whirlpool Bridges).

Ohio Turnpike names first woman to lead agency

The Ohio Turnpike and Infrastructure Commission (OTIC) recently appointed Robin Carlin as its interim executive director. She is the first woman to hold the top administrative post in the turnpike’s 59-year history.

Carlin replaces Richard A. Hodges, who resigned his post as executive director after being appointed by Governor John Kasich to lead the Ohio Department of Health.

“I’m excited about this opportunity and I look forward to working with Governor Kasich, his administration and the Ohio Department of Transportation,” said Carlin. “The Ohio Turnpike is a vital component of the state’s economy and transportation system and I look forward to leading our team of dedicated managers and employees in providing excellent customer service.”

Previous to her appointment, Carlin served as the Commission’s Deputy Executive Director and Director of Administration.

Robin Carlin
Interim
Executive Director

“The Ohio Turnpike is a vital component of the state's economy and I look forward to leading our team of dedicated managers and employees in providing excellent customer service."
--Robin Carlin

Debbie Jasany of Parma wins Turnpike contest

Ohio Turnpike customer Debbie Jasany saves time and money with E-ZPass®. "The turnpike is the path that brings my son home from college and it's the best way to visit him," said Jasany, of Parma.

Jasany is the winning contestant of the Ohio Heartland Gift Basket, provided by the Ohio Heartland Stores located in the Vermilion Valley and Middle Ridge Service Plazas in Amherst, Ohio, at Mileposts 139.5. The top 10 customers were featured on Turnpike social media channels Facebook and/or Twitter during late August and early September.

E-ZPass customer Debbie Jasany of Parma is the winner of the Ohio Heartland Gift Basket.

Euclid Mom says College trips made easy with E-ZPass®

Joann Piotrkowski of Euclid, Ohio, is a mother of five children, four of whom earned college degrees in the Buckeye State. Recently, her youngest son, 18, decided he'd like to go to college at Dominican University near Chicago and her 22-year-old son was accepted at DePaul University's Graduate School in Chicago.

“That's when we looked at each other and said 'it's time to get an E-ZPass.' So at least for the next four years, we will be regular travelers on the Ohio Turnpike," says Piotrkowski, an E-ZPass customer since July.

"Traveling on the turnpike is both smooth and free from sitting in line to pay a toll. The turnpike is well maintained and the highway patrol is very visible, giving me the peace of mind that my kids and I will be safe when traveling to Chicago."

Joann Piotrkowski
Euclid
E-ZPass customer

September is "Safe Driving Awareness Month"

By act of the Ohio General Assembly and Governor John Kasich, September is designated as "Safe Driving Awareness Month" in honor of Ohioans who have lost their lives on Ohio roadways.

The measure (Senate Bill 294), memorializes 21-year-old Maria Tiberi who died in a September 2013 car crash in Columbus due to an undetermined distraction.

Joined by the sponsor, Governor Kasich praised Dom Tiberi, a Columbus sports anchor and father of Ms. Tiberi, and his family (pictured below at the bill signing ceremony) for promoting "Maria's Message," which seeks to spread awareness of the dangers of distracted driving. There are three main types of distraction:

Manual: taking your hands off the wheel
Visual: taking your eyes off the road
Cognitive: taking your mind off the driving task

"Practicing safe driving habits and eliminating distractions can significantly reduce crashes that occur daily on highways," said Ed Miller, Safety Services Manager for the Ohio Turnpike. "While text messages and cell phone calls may seem important, it's not worth the risk to respond to them while driving. Wait until you are safely off the road to answer them, added Miller."

Take Maria's Pledge to keep Maria's Message alive.

Governor John Kasich shakes Dom Tiberi's hand after signing Senate Bill 294.

Major Construction Project Update for 2014

Note: Completion of all construction projects is weather dependent.

The Ohio Turnpike's 2014 construction season is beginning to wind down. By the end of the season, the Commission will have spent more than $110 million on projects to upgrade the Turnpike. Included in these projects is the completion of the final portion of a third lane in Lucas and Wood Counties, as well as base-pavement replacement projects in Sandusky and Cuyahoga Counties.

“These major construction projects continue to demonstrate the Commission's commitment to providing customers with a safe and smooth travel experience," said Chief Engineer Anthony Yacobucci.

Anthony Yacobucci
Chief Engineer

Milepost 43.3 – 55.5 in Fulton & Lucas Counties Resurfacing

Eastbound and westbound Ohio Turnpike customers traveling in this area will encounter restricted traffic patterns and reduced speed limits due to resurfacing project in both east & westbound lanes.

Estimated completion date: Friday, Nov. 14.

Milepost 59.5 – 64.1 in Lucas & Wood Counties
Third Lane Widening and Bridge Work

The westbound left lane and left shoulder and the eastbound left lane and shoulder are closed for third-lane construction. Ohio Turnpike customers traveling in this area will encounter restricted traffic patterns and reduced speed limits.

Estimated completion date: Friday, Nov. 14.

Milepost 101.2 – 107.3 Sandusky County Base Replacement

Eastbound and westbound Ohio Turnpike customers traveling in this area will encounter bidirectional traffic patterns and reduced speed limits, while crews continue to replace the original base pavement in the eastbound right and center lanes.

Estimated completion date: Thursday, Nov. 6.

Milepost 159.8 – 164.8 in Cuyahoga County Base Pavement Replacement

Eastbound and westbound Ohio Turnpike customers traveling in this area will encounter restricted traffic patterns and reduced speed limits, while crews continue to replace the original base pavement in the eastbound right and center lanes. Customers exiting eastbound at I-71 must use the right lane to exit. There is no access to I-71 from the left lane.

Estimated completion date: Thursday, Nov. 6.

In 1957, the Ohio Turnpike Patrol purchased eight new Dodge Coronet D-501s. They were powered by a 354-cubic inch Hemi engine boasting 340 horsepower.

Stay informed on changing traffic patterns due to accidents, work zones and construction delays,
E-ZPass® updates and other Turnpike news by following us on Twitter and Facebook.

Copyright © 2014 Ohio Turnpike and Infrastructure Commission, All rights reserved.
You are receiving this email because you have a past relationship with the
Ohio Turnpike and Infrastructure Commission.

Published by the Ohio Turnpike and Infrastructure Commission,
Robin Carlin, Interim Executive Director
Adam Greenslade, Director of Government Affairs, Marketing and Communications
Questions or suggestions? Contact Brian Newbacher, Editor, brian.newbacher@ohioturnpike.org.

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