Like many agencies, the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission (PTC) wanted to innovate. But, their existing microwave network had limited capacity and could not support the value-added safety and mobility applications that PTC required. PTC launched an advanced fiber optic network project to boost connectivity between their administrative buildings, as well as support all-electronic tolling (AET) and intelligent transportation systems (ITS) for improved safety and mobility. With the bandwidth provided by the fiber optic network, PTC will be able to install automated tolling to support future autonomous vehicle traffic on the turnpike. The two-phase project includes:
- 220-mile fiber optic network
- Micro-trenching to overcome rocky terrain and minimize driver impact
- High-speed data and fiber optic networks along the turnpike
- Extra fiber for future revenue generation opportunities
Black & Veatch is conducting engineering, permitting, procurement, and construction of PTC’s fiber infrastructure. This includes design of the dark fiber, procurement of major materials, micro-trenching on the turnpike shoulder, placing vaults, laterals, attachments to bridges, inside plant work at demarcation sites, and fiber installation, splicing and testing. The entire project (mainline and laterals) are entirely contained within the PTC’s right of way.
