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March 19, 2025 Travel Advisory

Possible Delays Expected on PA Turnpike for Open Road Tolling Gantry Construction


Possible Delays Expected on PA Turnpike for Open Road Tolling Gantry Construction

Crews will begin overnight installations of gantries ahead of western conversion to ORT in 2027

NEW STANTON, Pa. — Open Road Tolling (ORT) is making its way west on the Pennsylvania Turnpike (PA Turnpike). As part of their work to construct gantries in preparation for its 2027 launch on the western stretch of the mainline, the PA Turnpike advises motorists to be prepared for slow-moving and stopped traffic during overnight hours. 

Gantry construction in the western section is currently underway ahead of the January 2027 western launch. The switch to ORT east of Reading and on the Northeast Extension began this past January. In an ORT system, tolls are charged electronically as customers drive at highway speeds without slowing down or stopping beneath overhead structures — called gantries — 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. 

The traffic paces are scheduled at the following dates and locations: 

  • March 20, 2025, 12 a.m. to 5 a.m.: Interstate 70/76 Eastbound at Milepost 99.6 (between Donegal and Somerset Interchanges)
  • March 25, 2025, 12 a.m. to 5 a.m.: Interstate 70/76 Westbound at Milepost 99.6 (between Somerset and Donegal Interchanges)
  • March 30, 2025, 12 a.m. to 5 a.m.: Interstate 76 in both directions at Milepost 5.4 (between Gateway and New Castle Interchanges) 

The intermittent, 30-minute traffic stoppages are necessary for the protection of motorists and workers so crews can safely erect toll gantries. During the stoppages, PA Turnpike maintenance and state police vehicles will restrict PA Turnpike traffic to a speed of 15-20 miles an hour. More information on how ORT toll gantries are constructed can be found here. 

The paces are done overnight to minimize traffic impacts. Changeable message signs will also provide information on the traffic paces. Motorists are encouraged to plan travel accordingly. Work schedules are subject to change based on weather conditions. 

ORT allows for the addition of new access points at a significantly lower cost, paving the way for increased economic development and greater access to communities along the PA Turnpike, including the SR 130 Interchange in Westmoreland County currently in the design phase. This helps promote and support tourism and recreation. New access and increased convenience mean freight will move more efficiently and enable the expansion of economic development to more communities. A map showing the location of gantries built for ORT in the east and those under construction in the west, can be found here. 

To report an incident 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

Changeable Message Signs: more than 200 boards along the PA Turnpike

ON THE WEB

511/511pa.com: live, interactive map

X/Twitter: @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. 

This roadwork is critical to delivering on the Pennsylvania Turnpike (PA Turnpike)'s mission of operating a safe, reliable, customer-valued toll road system that supports national mobility and commerce. Since 2023, the PA Turnpike has supported more than $1 billion in construction bids to modernize, maintain or improve customer experience. Key projects include resurfacing more than 70 miles of roadway, a record-high 27 miles of total reconstruction, and replacing key bridges at Beaver River and Hawk Falls. Resources and information on planned construction projects can be found at Traveling on the PA Turnpike | PA Turnpike.

 

 

COMPLETED GANTRY VIDEO (Download link available in ⓘ information tab)

COMPLETED GANTRY PICTURES

 

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 Media Contacts:

Marissa Orbanek, Press Secretary: (267) 408-5151, morbanek@paturnpike.com 

Crispin Havener, Assistant Press Secretary: (717) 870-2841, chavener@paturnpike.com