To commemorate the 75th anniversary of the turnpike, Pennsylvania Heritage, a magazine of the Historical and Museum Commission, featured an article on the turnpike by Curtis Miner. The first phase of the turnpike, a 160 mile stretch between Irwin and Carlisle, was completed in 1940.
The turnpike was authorized in 1937. The Roosevelt administration agreed to fund most of the costs with the stipulation that the road be built quickly. It took 23 months from field surveys to final paving to complete the first 160 mile segment.
Two thoughts occur. First, the turnpike bridge at the Mahoning Interchange across Pohopoco Creek and Route 209 will probably take longer than 23 months to complete.
Secondly, the current Pennsylvania legislature, with representatives like Doyle Heffley and Jerry Knowles, would never have approved the Pennsylvania Turnpike. It would be too much money, and involve too much federal interference. Also, it had never been done before.
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