Metcalfe Gets Rest Stops Reopened

PennDOT, PA Turnpike reopens some facilities for truckers.

ED BLAZINA

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

eblazina@post-gazette.com

MAR 21, 2020

9:00 AM

Days after complaints from truckers and some elected officials, the Pennsylvania Turnpike is reopening all of its service plazas on a limited basis and the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation has reopened 13 of its 30 rest stops.

The stops were closed earlier this week because both agencies said they wanted to limit contact among motorists and employees due to the COVID-19 virus and they had difficulty cleaning the facilities properly. Those decisions drew sharp criticism from groups such as the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association and state Rep. Daryl Metcalfe, R-Cranberry, who said the trucking industry is vital now more than ever because it delivers emergency supplies and drivers need safe facilities to rest.