Project To Remove AC Expressway Call Boxes Under Way - Philadelphia News, Weather and Sports from WTXF FOX 29

Project To Remove AC Expressway Call Boxes Under Way

Posted: Updated:
Hamilton Township, N.J. -

A project along the Atlantic City Expressway is under way to remove roadside call boxes that are now considered to be obsolete.

The call boxes, which were installed in the mid 1980s, will be replaced by signs along the Expressway that tell motorists to call 9-1-1 for emergencies.

The South Jersey Transportation Authority says the current roadside call box may have given drivers the impression that there is actually a telephone available to use when there is not.

"The safety of the motoring public using our Expressway is the main factor that went into the decision to remove the call boxes," Acting Executive Director Sam Donelson said in a statement.

The current boxes were powered in the field after a user pulled down a lever, then pushed a button labeled "Police" or "Service." The button would then activate an electric motor to produce a radio transmission.

The SJTA says an acknowledgement of the transmission was then sent back to the call box in the form of a beep-like sound, which may not have been understood by the user as confirmation their transmission actually was sent.

The removal of the call boxes is expected to take 90 days.

  • Local News

  • Tuesday, June 18 2013 10:59 PM EDT2013-06-19 02:59:35 GMT
    At the annual American Medical Association (AMA) meeting in Chicago, doctors have voted to recognize obesity as an illness.
    At the annual American Medical Association (AMA) meeting in Chicago, doctors have voted to recognize obesity as an illness.
  • Tuesday, June 18 2013 10:43 PM EDT2013-06-19 02:43:10 GMT
    Times are tough for many in Philadelphia with almost half a million people turning to food pantries just to survive. Several organizations are working to provide healthy options.
    Times are tough for many in Philadelphia with almost half a million people turning to food pantries just to survive. Several organizations are working to provide healthy options.
  • Tuesday, June 18 2013 10:42 PM EDT2013-06-19 02:42:20 GMT
    The Rolling Stones take their "50 and Counting" tour to South Philly. They're touring the world to celebrate five decades together.
    The Rolling Stones take their "50 and Counting" tour to South Philly. They're touring the world to celebrate five decades together.
Powered by WorldNow

WTXF-TV
330 Market Street
Philadelphia, PA 19106-2796

Phone: (215) 925-2929
Fax: (215) 982-5494

Didn't find what you were looking for?
All content © Copyright 2000 - 2013 Fox Television Stations, Inc. and Worldnow. All Rights Reserved.
Privacy Policy | Terms of Service | Ad Choices