The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission is getting ready to implement “open road tolling”.
Starting this January, the Turnpike will convert all its toll collection areas east of Reading and on the northeast extension to the new system. As a part of that, toll booths will be removed and overhead toll gantries will be put in place. Drivers will pass under the gantries at highway speeds and tolls would be charged electronically through E-Z Pass or the Toll By Plate system. As part of the effort, toll booths will be removed starting in 2025 on the eastern section of the turnpike. Aside from properly mounting the E-Z Pass transponder, those using the turnpike will not need to do anything differently.
PA Turnpike CEO Mark Compton called open road tolling the most significant innovation for the turnpike, its employees and customers in its 85-year history. The system is being touted as a safety advancement for the roadway along with the modernization of equipment.
Open Road Tolling for the turnpike west of Reading is expected to be ready by 2027.
Comments