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May 24, 2023 News Release

PA Turnpike Shares Upcoming Holiday Traffic Projections


PA Turnpike Shares Upcoming Holiday Traffic Projections

Plan ahead for best days to travel.

 

Harrisburg, Pa. -- During the Memorial Day Holiday Weekend, from May 26 through May 29, the PA Turnpike projects more than 2.1 million motorists will head to their holiday destination via the turnpike. This year’s projections reflect a 3.8% increase from 2022 traffic and just under the pre-pandemic holiday numbers.

“The Memorial Day Holiday informally kicks off the summer travel season and we anticipate increased traffic — up from last year’s traffic volumes during the same period,” says Mark Compton, PA Turnpike CEO. “We appreciate the excitement of our travelers as they get away for the long weekend. But we also ask them to prepare for their travel, focus on the roadway and take stops when needed to rest and refresh. With more congested roadways, and ever-increasing incidents of distracted driving, even a moment of distraction can have devastating consequences.”

The PA Turnpike will have an increased number of patrols and safety teams throughout the roadway that are there to assure travelers get safely to their destination. That means responding to travelers in need of assistance, as well as, taking action against illegal or unsafe behaviors.

“With Memorial Day weekend upon us and a surge in holiday traffic anticipated, we echo the reminder to motorists of the importance of safe driving habits,” says Cpl. Joe May of PA State Police’s Troop T. “Obeying the posted speed limits, allowing sufficient distance between other vehicles and a general respect for other motorists will ensure everyone reaches their destination safely.”

Travelers should note the traffic breakdown over the four-day period starting Friday which is slated to be heaviest travel day:

  • Friday, May 26 – 680,000 vehicles
  • Saturday, May 27 – 510,000 vehicles
  • Sunday, May 28 – 475,000 vehicles
  • Monday, May 29 – 495,000 vehicles

Also, those heading west Sunday afternoon should note the Run for the Wall veteran’s organization is hosting a 300-vehicle motorcade to the Vietnam Memorial Wall in Washington, DC. Part of their journey will be on the PA Turnpike that afternoon. The motorcycle motorcade will be stopping at the Flight 93 National Memorial, Somerset County, and then traveling west from the Somerset Interchange, exit 110, starting at approximately 3:10 p.m. The motorcade is planning a fueling stop at the New Stanton Service Plaza, milepost 77, prior to exiting at the New Stanton Interchange, milepost 75, and continuing onto Route 70 West. Traffic could be slower in this area from 3 to 5 p.m.

In addition to planning your trip for off-peak hours, visit Ramp up for Seasonal Travel | PA Turnpike for tips to prepare for traveling on the PA Turnpike as well as understanding the services and amenities along the way.

To report an accident or other emergency on the PA Turnpike, dial *11 on your cell phone. To learn more about PA Turnpike conditions or to contact us, 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

BY PHONE

  • 511: dial from any PA roadway for local travel information
  • Pennsylvania Turnpike Customer Assistance Center: 1-800-331-3414, Monday through Friday, 8:30 A.M. to 4:30 P.M. (Outside U.S., please call 717-831-7601)

 

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Media Contacts:  

Rosanne Placey, 717-675-4362

Crispin Havener, 717-870-2841