The Pennsylvania Turnpike, the nation’s first modern, multi-lane highway, is preparing to launch a new open-road tolling section in January, writes Lloyd Fuller for Traffic Technology Today.
“When we opened as America’s first superhighway, we set the national standards for interstate highway design and engineering,” said Brad Heigel, chief engineer for the PA Turnpike Commission. “Open road tolling continues that legacy.”
The deployment of the new technology is the culmination of 15 years of planning and testing. Once active, the open-road tolling will enhance traffic flow and create new possibilities for economic development along the turnpike corridor.
The technology will eliminate the need for traditional toll plazas by collecting tolls electronically as vehicles pass under overhead gantries while travelling at highway speeds. These 19 gantries will calculate charges based on the exact number of miles a vehicle travels, providing greater accuracy than from traditional plazas.
The commission is also introducing a simplified pricing structure for passenger vehicles.
“We’re moving to a standard seven-cent-per-mile toll for passenger vehicles,” said Craig Shuey, chief operating officer of the PA Turnpike Commission.
To ensure a smooth transition, the commission is encouraging customers to verify that their accounts are up to date and to check that their toll tags are properly installed.
Read more about the Pennsylvania Turnpike in Traffic Technology Today.
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Editor’s Note: This post first appeared on MONTCO Today in November 2024.
