Transportation News

50th ANNIVERSARY OF THE INTERSTATE

CELEBRATION AND CROSS-COUNTRY CONVOY TO LAUNCH FRIDAY

Contact:

Jeff Weiss at (510) 286-5543
Robert Haus at (510) 286-5576
www.interstate50th.org

WHAT:

A convoy kickoff celebration to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the interstate.

President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed the Federal-Aid Highway Act in June 1956, establishing a “National System of Interstate Highways.”

The convoy from San Francisco to Washington D.C. is a reverse-trip re-enactment of the 1919 cross-country military trek in which Eisenhower participated and was the impetus for his vision of an interstate system. The convoy is comprised of buses, big rigs, motor coaches and vintage and modern vehicles. A representative from the Lincoln Highway Association, which sponsored and led the 1919 Convoy and presented medals to the 300 soldiers, will be on hand to once again present medals to convoy participants similar to the originals.

WHEN:

June 16, 2006, 7:30 a.m. – 9 a.m.
Interviews available beginning at 7 a.m.
Convoy launches at 9 a.m. sharp.

WHERE:

Lincoln Park, San Francisco, adjacent to the Palace of the Legion of Honor, 34th Avenue & Clement Street

WHO:

Norman Y. Mineta, Secretary, U.S. Department of Transportation

Merrill Eisenhower Atwater, Great-grandson of President Dwight D. Eisenhower

Andrew Firestone, Great-grandson of Harvey Firestone, founder of Firestone Tire & Rubber Co.

Sunne Wright McPeak, Secretary of the California Business, Transportation and Housing Agency

Will Kempton, Caltrans Director

Mike Brown, Commissioner, California Highway Patrol

Harold Linnenkohl, President, American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials

Colonel David McClean, Commander, 834th Transportation Battalion, Concord, CA

For more information:

www.interstate50th.org