Celli-Flynn Brennan - Architects & Planners


Featured Architecture: Governmental

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  • Client:
    Joe Brimmeier
    Executive Director
    PA Turnpike Commission
    717-939-9551
  • Contractor/CM:
    A & L, Inc.
    724-929-2125
  • Completed:
    May 2002
  • Size:
    N/A
  • Cost:
    $44 million

Toll Facility
Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission

Pennsylvania

The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission (PTC) desired a new image for their mainline facilities - one that would be physically pleasing to their customers, as well as safe and cost effective. This facility was the first on the PTC system that would integrate high-speed toll collection as well as manned and unmanned booths. This exciting architectural design features an innovation for the Turnpike: a bridge linking both sides of the Plaza, instead of the usual service tunnel. As a result of this bridge, the Plaza has a greater visual presence than is normally expected, while acting as a new portal to the Pittsburgh area for traffic on the new Mon Fayette Expressway. This new architectural design is intended to set a new direction for future Turnpike Facilities. Design included a pedestrian bridge for access across the high-speed lanes, site development, lighting, tollbooths, canopies, signage, and utility building and appurtenances. Steel is the main element in the bridge and on the roof because of Pittsburgh’s history as the steel capital of the world. The facility was fully integrated with the highway system through many unique features that include:

  • Visual security techniques, gull winged canopies curved in two directions, and an arched truss provide an exciting architecture.
  • A very lively and innovative design utilizing a curved stainless steel roof and integral canopy, fully functional diagonal tie rods, and a unique centrally located V-shaped pier supporting the “lookout” from which the plaza is operated
  • Features that allow the toll plaza to be adaptable to the state-of-the-art Electronic Tolls and Traffic Management (ETTM) System. At the mainline facility, Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) capabilities allow patrons to bypass the toll collection machines and to pay tolls while maintaining a high rate of speed through the facility.
  • Unique serpentine retaining wall protecting a 40-foot embankment

This project won several national awards, including a Merit Award from the American Institute of Architects, Pittsburgh.

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