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
|