MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Pa. — The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission has unveiled its new open road tolling system, designed to facilitate seamless traffic flow and electronic toll collection. The initiative, announced by the Commission, aims to streamline the tolling process while ensuring minimal disruption to motorists.
According to Alan Williamson, the construction engineering manager at the PA Turnpike Commission, the open road tolling system eliminates the need for toll booths and allows vehicles to maintain highway speeds while their tolls are electronically captured.
Mark Compton, the chief executive officer of the PA Turnpike Commission, confirmed that the open road tolling system will be activated on January 5, 2025, spanning from Reading to the eastern part and extending to the Delaware River bridge on the northeastern extension.
Additionally, the PA Turnpike Commission has announced a 5% toll increase in 2025. However, officials have clarified that a majority of E-ZPass and toll-by-plate users will experience either a minimal toll increase or, in many cases, a toll reduction.
Notably, commercial vehicles will witness an increase of $5 or less.
Drivers utilizing the open road tolling system need not make any changes to their existing toll payment methods. However, the new Gantry entry and exit points between interchanges will be displayed on customers' invoices.
Craig Shuey, the chief operating officer of the PA Turnpike Commission, emphasized that motorists will continue to have their tolls collected via mail for toll-by-plate users or deducted from their EZ-Pass accounts, ensuring a seamless and familiar process.
Looking to the future, the western region of the PA Turnpike is expected to adopt open-road tolling in early 2027. With this shift, the PA Turnpike also plans to transition from weight-based toll measurements to height-based measurements, reflecting a tailored approach to tolling that considers the diverse nature of vehicles on the road.
Upon full implementation, the open road tolling system will replace all traditional tolling booths, fostering a more natural traffic flow and enhancing overall driver safety. The transition is anticipated to deliver a safer and more efficient experience for motorists as they navigate the Turnpike.
As per Williamson, the elimination of legacy tolling plazas, which previously necessitated abrupt speed reductions and complex lane navigation, will contribute to a more seamless and secure driving environment.
According to the Turnpike Commission, the rollout of Pennsylvania's open road tolling system marks a significant leap forward in tolling technology and traffic management, positioning the Turnpike for a more efficient and driver-friendly future.