Major changes are coming to the Pennsylvania Turnpike (PA Turnpike) this weekend as officials increase and change the toll structure and begin implementing Open Road Tolling on the eastern portion of the Turnpike.<\/p>\n
PA Turnpike Toll Increase Ahead<\/h2>\n
Starting on January 5, 2025, a 5% toll increase will be put into place on the PA Turnpike, though it will look a little different this year.<\/p>\n
The PA Turnpike Authority is adjusting tolling rates to provide a consistent price mile-to-mile, and switching from tolling based on weight classifications to tolling based on axle and height via Automatic Vehicle Classification (AVC).<\/p>\n Officials say that about 70% of commercial vehicles will see a toll increase of $5 or less.<\/p>\n \u201cThe standardization of rates and the move to AVC will not result in additional revenues for the Turnpike beyond the 5% increase approved for 2025. The change in vehicle classification will have a limited impact on non-commercial customers; most widely impacting commercial customers who primarily travel the PA Turnpike empty,\u201d the PA Turnpike Authority said.<\/p>\n For more information on how much you\u2019ll pay under the new toll structure, you can click here to access an online toll calculator. <\/a><\/p>\n In addition to the changes in toll rates, Turnpike officials will also begin implementing Open Road Tolling (ORT) at 12:01 a.m. on January 5 east of Reading and on the Northeast Extension\u00a0<\/p>\n According to the PA Turnpike Authority, \u201cin an\u00a0ORT system<\/a>, tolls are charged electronically as customers drive at highway speeds without slowing down or stopping beneath overhead structures \u2014\u00a0called gantries<\/a>\u00a0\u2014 located between interchanges. Equipment on the gantry and in the roadway processes E-ZPass or Toll By Plate transactions. ORT eliminates the confusion and lane switching associated with traditional, stop-and-go tolling. Removal of toll booths eliminates obstacles, increases sight lines for customers and ultimately reduces stress and distractions when entering and exiting the system.\u201d<\/p>\n Later this year, crews will begin removing\u00a0toll plazas in the eastern sections of the Turnpike.<\/p>\n Officials say that toll gantry construction in the western section is currently underway ahead of the January 2027 western launch.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cThe launch of Open Road Tolling is perhaps the most significant change since the Pennsylvania Turnpike opened in 1940 as \u2018America\u2019s First Superhighway\u2019 and continues our legacy as a national leader in transportation,\u201d said Pennsylvania Department of Transportation Secretary and PA Turnpike Commission Chair Mike Carroll. \u201cThe future is now as we bring a safer and more efficient way for motorists to commute, safely transport freight and explore \u201cThe Great American Getaway\u201d that is our Commonwealth.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/cdllife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Screen-Shot-2025-01-03-at-10.24.27-AM.png\")
<\/figure>\nOpen Roll Tolling Begins For Eastern Section Of Turnpike<\/h2>\n