CLEVELAND (AP) - The Ohio Turnpike is giving each of 6 companies exclusive rights to handle towing and service calls along a section of the toll road.

The Plain Dealer in Cleveland reports the turnpike commission approved a 3-year contract with the tow truck operators this week. The companies will get a total of $630,000 this year from the turnpike, not including what they charge drivers who need towed. Those charges to stranded drivers added up to $1.3 million last year.

The 241-mile highway will include seven sections, and 1 of the companies will cover two sections.

Kathleen Weiss is the turnpike's director of contracts administration. She says the turnpike will pay $7,500 a month for each company to keep a worker available overnight as the contract requires.