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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 21, 2012
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Turnpike Urges Late Night Holiday Safety Breaks
Complimentary Coffee Offered at Turnpike Service Plazas
PORTLAND, Maine –The Maine Turnpike Authority, Maine State Police Troop G and HMSHost encourage holiday travelers to take break for safety and will treat Turnpike customers to a complimentary cup of coffee overnight Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m.
The Maine Turnpike Authority expects between 500,000 and one million vehicles on the Turnpike from Friday, December 22 through Tuesday, December 25. Many travelers will be working on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve. Some will leave very late or very early to visit family and friends for the holidays and possibly do the same as they return for work on December 26 and January 2. To help them stay alert, complimentary coffee will offered at all 5 Maine Turnpike Service Plazas from 10:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m.
Turnpike Service Plazas, operated by HMSHost, are located both northbound and southbound at mile 25 in Kennebunk, northbound and southbound at mile 58 in Gray and Cumberland respectively and at mile 102 in West Gardiner.
Maine State Police Troop G will be actively patrolling the Maine Turnpike to keep drivers and passengers safe throughout the holidays. Turnpike staff also work with state troopers to assist stranded motorists during daytime and overnight hours.
Know Before You Go
For real-time 24/7 travel alerts, delays and incident reports, visit MaineTurnpike.com or follow the Maine Turnpike on Twitter or Facebook. MaineTurnpike.com is now smartphone friendly. Another option for travel updates is 1-800-675-PIKE. The Maine Turnpike Authority and Maine State Police Troop G urge drivers to buckle up and steer clear of texting or checking messages while driving. Please check for travel alerts prior to traveling or only as a passenger.
About the Maine Turnpike Authority
The Maine Turnpike opened in 1947 and was the second toll road built in the United States. It operates independently from the Maine Department of Transportation. The MTA received $101 million from tolls in 2011 and is anticipating the same in 2012. Tolls are the only source of revenue used by the Maine Turnpike Authority to maintain and operate the Turnpike as well as pay back bondholders who loan private capital to finance major reconstruction projects. No federal or state tax dollars have ever been used by the Maine Turnpike. The MTA is responsible for over 500 lane-miles of highway from Kittery to Augusta, 177 bridges, 19 interchanges, 19 toll plazas, Maine State Police Troop G, 5 service areas and 9 maintenance facilities.
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