PA Turnpike Prepares for Travel Boom Surrounding Independence Day Holiday
PA Turnpike Prepares for Travel Boom Surrounding Independence Day Holiday
Travelers strongly encouraged to practice safe driving habits and avoid distracted driving during busy travel week.
MIDDLETOWN, PA — As travelers get ready for fireworks, parades and barbecues, the Pennsylvania Turnpike is preparing for increased holiday travel.
The PA Turnpike projects more than 5.62 million motorists will be traveling the Turnpike from Friday, June 28 through Sunday, July 7. This is 3% more than last year’s traffic tally during the same 10-day holiday period last year.
The daily traffic projected for the holiday period systemwide are:
| DATE | TOTAL | DATE | TOTAL |
|---|---|---|---|
| Friday, June 28 | 700,000 | Wednesday, July 3 | 670,000 |
| Saturday, June 29 | 550,000 | Thursday, July 4 | 380,000 |
| Sunday, June 30 | 510,000 | Friday, July 5 | 570,000 |
| Monday, July 1 | 590,000 | Saturday, July 6 | 510,000 |
| Tuesday, July 2 | 620,000 | Sunday, July 7 | 520,000 |
| 10-DAY TOTAL | 5,620,000 | ||
With many leading travel experts predicting a national record for travel this year, the PA Turnpike will be doing its part to help keep vehicles moving. The PA Turnpike will increase the number of GEICO Safety Patrol safety teams throughout the system on the busiest days to assure travelers get to their destinations safely. That means responding to travelers in need of assistance as well as increased vigilance regarding illegal or unsafe behaviors on the roadway. All roadway construction and maintenance projects will be suspended beginning Friday, June 28 at 5 a.m. until Sunday, July 7 at 11 p.m. to ensure as many lanes are open as possible.
With law enforcement data showing Independence Day being among the most dangerous times of the year on the nation’s roads due to heavy traffic and distracted and impaired driving, Pennsylvania State Police Troop T will have extra patrols during the holiday period to ensure drivers are following the posted speed limits, allowing proper distance between other vehicles and maintaining general respect for other motorists and driving conditions.
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 and tips for Summer driving safety.
While construction work will be halted during the holiday period, the PA Turnpike’s commitment to work zone safety is an everyday mission. Patrons at five of our service plazas — Oakmont, North Somerset, Highspire, King of Prussia, Allentown — will be encouraged to “take a seat” at our Go Orange table to learn more about work zone safety as well as take the pledge to drive safely in work zones and support our PA Turnpike workers.
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
Digital Message Signs: more than 200 boards along the Turnpike
ON THE WEB
511/511pa.com: live, interactive map
Twitter/X: @PATurnpikeAlert
BY PHONE
511: dial from any PA roadway for local travel information
Pennsylvania Turnpike Customer Assistance Center: 877-736-6727, Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
A national transportation leader, the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission (PTC) is the second largest tolling facility in the United States with the most miles and offers 24-7 roadside assistance, a dedicated maintenance force, 17 service plazas for safety and convenience, and a dedicated State Police Troop. PTC proudly works hard each day to support the roughly 550,000 daily customers who choose to use our roadway for a variety of reasons, including convenience, value and safety. Our 1,400-person local workforce is unified through one mission; to operate a safe, reliable, customer-valued toll road system that supports national mobility and commerce. For more information about PTC's mission and projects, please visit Home | PA Turnpike.
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EDITOR’S NOTE: Video for this story can be found here (a download link is available on the information tab). Photos for this story can be found here until July 3rd.
Media Contact:
Crispin Havener, 717.870.2841 or chavener@paturnpike.com