Motorists Expected to Close Summer with Some Travel this Weekend
Labor Day holiday travelers are reminded of additional safety tips to consider during the pandemic.
HARRISBURG, PA (Sept. 3, 2020) —There were fewer people taking trips this summer due to the pandemic. That travel trend is reflected in the PA Turnpike’s projections for the Labor Day holiday weekend.
“We are anticipating there to be fewer than three million vehicles traveling the PA Turnpike starting today through Tuesday, Sept. 8,” said CEO Mark Compton. “While that may sound like a lot, it is considerably less than during the same holiday timeframe last year.” The 2.9 million vehicle projection represents more than a 15-percent decline over last year’s Labor Day holiday numbers. Friday is expected to be the busiest day with 625,000 on the roadway.
The significant daily Turnpike traffic breakdown for upcoming days is estimated as follows:
- Today, Sept. 3 – 575,000 vehicles are expected to travel the system;
- Friday, Sept. 4 – 625,000 are expected to travel the system;
- Saturday, Sept. 5 – 475,000 are expected to travel the system;
- Sunday, Sept. 6 – 400,000 are expected to travel the system;
- Monday, Sept. 7– 400,000 are expected to travel the system;
- Tuesday, Sept. 8 – 500,00 are expected to travel the system.
Before travelers hit the road, they can learn about payment options on the Turnpike, how best to prepare for their trip, and information regarding COVID-19 safety precautions by visiting https://www.paturnpike.com/RampUp/default.aspx.
To help accommodate holiday traffic, the Turnpike has suspended maintenance and construction work and has all available lanes open in each direction. This will continue now through Monday, Sept. 7. Additional PA State Police and service patrols also will be on the roadway to provide assistance during the holiday.
To report an accident or other emergency on the PA Turnpike, dial *11 via mobile phone. To learn more about PA Turnpike conditions, use one of these resources:
ON THE TURNPIKE
- 511PA Smartphone App: Real-time, hands-free PA traffic advisories.
- Waze Smartphone App: Real-time alerts from other drivers.
- Digital Message Signs: More than 100 boards along the Turnpike.
ON THE WEB
- Turnpike Travel Conditions Map: Live, interactive map.
BY PHONE
- 511: Dial from any PA roadway for local travel information.
- 800-331-3414: PA Turnpike Customer Assistance (weekdays, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.).
CONTACT:
Carl DeFebo, 717-831-7176 or Rosanne Placey, 717-831-7507