Ohio Turnpike cruises to 60th Anniversary with a flourish

The Ohio Turnpike and Infrastructure Commission recently paid tribute to the official opening of the Ohio Turnpike, which occurred on Oct. 1, 1955. At 12:01 a.m.. Gov. Frank J. Lausche raised his arms skyward and declared, "Remove all barricades. Open the gates and let the traffic flow."

Turnpike Chairman Jerry N. Hruby explained how engineers and construction crews worked at a feverish pace and by 1954, there were as many as 10,000 workers on the job. Executive Director Randy Cole contrasted the Turnpike of the past, with the Turnpike of today. "The Ohio Turnpike is a bold and successful enterprise with a significant economic impact on northern Ohio communities."

In fact, the Ohio Turnpike is responsible for generating more than $500 million in northern Ohio economic activity each year, as Cole noted at four locations on Sept. 30-Oct. 1. The ceremonies were conducted at Westgate (Exit 2), Perrysburg (Exit 64), the Berea Administration Building and at Eastgate (Exit 239) near Youngstown.

Performing at these locations were the Bryan High School Marching Band and Acapella Choir, a unit of the Perrysburg High School Marching Yellow Jackets, the Berea-Midpark High School Marching Band and the Canfield High School Symphonic Band and the Cardinal Pride, respectively.

Oct. 1, 1955
Ohio Turnpike Opens

“The opening of the Ohio Turnpike was a dramatic moment in national transportation history.”
-- Chairman Jerry N. Hruby

GetGo Cafe + Market to offer E-ZPass to customers

The Ohio Turnpike and Giant Eagle are expanding their partnership by offering E-ZPass® at 72 northeast Ohio area GetGo locations throughout 15 counties.

In July, Giant Eagle became the first non-Turnpike retailer to offer E-ZPass transponders to customers at northern Ohio Giant Eagle stores in 13 counties.

“Our expanded partnership with Giant Eagle and GetGo offers another convenient location for customers looking to enjoy the savings of E-ZPass," said Randy Cole, executive director. “The average savings on tolls is 33 percent and customers can save up to 50 percent on a single trip."

In its first five years and 11 months of operation on the Ohio Turnpike, E-ZPass saved its customers more than $250 million compared to customers who paid cash over the same period.

Randy Cole
Executive Director

Ohio Turnpike and OSHP troopers reach shared enforcement goal during nationwide challenge

The Ohio State Highway Patrol reported zero fatalities, three injury crashes and 10 property damage crashes on the Ohio Turnpike during the multi-state I-80/I-35 Challenge. The initiative began Friday, Aug. 29 and ended Sunday, Aug. 30.

Troopers responded to 1,159 total incidents and issued 630 tickets including 41 safety belt citations. The high visibility initiative was originated by the Iowa State Patrol and coincided with the national Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign.

"We met our mutual goal of zero fatalities and that's a goal met that we can all live with," said Executive Director Randy Cole, Ohio Turnpike. "We commend the Ohio State Highway Patrol for doing their part to make our roadway a safe place to travel. Customers can do their part by obeying traffic laws and signage and by not driving distracted or impaired."

Customers are encouraged to call *990 to notify Turnpike authorities if they encounter an unsafe driver, road conditions or other situations that could lead to a crash on the Ohio Turnpike.

Watch 60th Anniversary Ohio History Barn video

The Ohio Turnpike and Infrastructure Commission and the Ohio History Connection recently commemorated the 60th Anniversary of the Ohio Turnpike--as well as Ohio history--with a twist on barn painting from the days of Ohio's 200th Anniversary more than a decade ago.

Scott Hagan, the barn artist who painted one barn in each of Ohio's 88 counties with the Ohio bicentennial logo, brought Ohio history back to life once more with a historical barn painting in Sandusky County. The history barn, which is highly visible from the Ohio Turnpike near Exit 91, features Ohio's 19th president, Rutherford B. Hayes.

We invite other barn owners with highly visible barns to contact the Ohio Turnpike if they're interested in becoming a part of this history-preserving program. The Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Center, the nation's first presidential library, opened in 1916. The Center, which includes the library, a museum, Hayes' home and burial site, are in Fremont and open to visitors. The time-lapsed digital video below chronicles the Hagan's artistry.

Jerry Hruby
Chairman

“The bold enterprises are the successful ones."
--  Rutherford B. Hayes, 19th  president of the United States.

Festivals and fun fall activities abound in northern Ohio

Fall is officially in the air but don't despair. There's still plenty of time to squeeze in some outdoor fun that's just a short drive from the Ohio Turnpike.

All across northern Ohio there are countless opportunities for fall family fun. 

Vibrant colors of orange, red and yellow adorn the landscape and there are numerous public parks, family farms and festivals to enjoy.

Other fall attractions include getting scared on a Dark Shadow Ghost Tour.

Apple picking is another fall favorite. This activity is a great way to enjoy outdoors while picking your favorite healthy varieties to enjoy and share. Monroe's Orchard & Farm Market in Hiram, Ohio, and Bergman Orchards in Sandusky County are two such examples where apple enthusiasts rejoice.

For additional ideas and locations to visit check out Discover Ohio, Cleveland Plus and VisitToledo.

Fall Fun Events

Ohio Turnpike hosts Open Houses for the Public

Celebrate Ohio Turnpike history at Vermilion Valley Plaza

Ohio Turnpike history is now on display at the Vermilion Valley Service Plaza and the Commission is offering a limited series of gold-plated 60th Anniversary key chains, commemorative coins and lapel pins.

The cost of the key chain and coin is $10 each plus shipping and handling. Orders are first-come, first-served via the Ohio Turnpike website.

Also offered for sale is a special edition, silver-plated 60th Anniversary lapel pin, which costs $5 plus shipping and handling.

Own a piece of history by purchasing your key chain, coin or lapel pin while supplies last. All three items are also available for purchase at the Middle Ridge and Vermilion Valley Service Plazas.

The Vermilion Valley Service Plaza features a 60th Anniversary display and photographic timeline of key events in Ohio Turnpike history. Included in the display is an original metal Ohio Turnpike sign that sat upon the entrance to an original toll booth.

Walk through key events in Turnpike history, from the groundbreaking ceremony in the Cuyahoga Valley in 1952, to the official opening of all 241 miles on Oct. 1, 1955. The opening of the Ohio Turnpike helped the nation usher in a new era of east-west transportation.

Turnpike Collectibles

For sale to readers of the Customer Connection is a limited edition of gold-plated key chains and commemorative coins and lapel pins.

Commemorative key chain with iconic State Highway Patrol Flying Wheel logo on the reverse side.

        
  60th Anniversary Lapel Pin

Stay informed on changing traffic patterns due to accidents, work zones and construction delays,
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Published by the Ohio Turnpike and Infrastructure Commission,
Randy Cole, Executive Director
Adam Greenslade, Director of Government Affairs, Marketing and Communications
Questions or suggestions? Contact Brian Newbacher, Editor, brian.newbacher@ohioturnpike.org.

Our mailing address is:
Ohio Turnpike and Infrastructure Commission
682 Prospect Street
Berea, OH 44017
440-234-2081

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