State Route 903 Ramp Closures Scheduled as Part of Open Road Tolling Reconfiguration
State Route 903 Ramp Closures Scheduled as Part of Open Road Tolling Reconfiguration
Middletown, Pa. — With Open Road Tolling (ORT) gantries live east of Reading and on the Northeast Extension, the PA Turnpike is beginning its work to reconfigure interchanges, the driving force behind ORT’s safety benefits. As a result, the Pennsylvania Turnpike is advising motorists on the Northeast Extension (I-476) in Carbon County that the southbound exit ramp to the PA Route 903 Interchange (Exit 87) and the entry ramp to I-476 South from PA Route 903 will be closed from 7 p.m., Sunday, April 27 until 11 a.m., Friday, May 2, for overhead toll gantry removal and scale pit demolition on the ramps.
During the ramp closures, motorists will not be able to exit at the PA 903 Interchange from I-476 South. Motorists will also not be able to enter I-476 South Northeast extension from PA 903. A detour will be in place directing motorist wanting to use Exit 87 Southbound to exit at Exit 95 and to follow the posted detour route. A future closure will occur for the northbound ramps.
The switch to ORT east of Reading and on the Northeast Extension occurred in January. ORT will launch on the PA Turnpike’s western section in 2027. 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 reduces confusion and lane switching associated with traditional, stop-and-go tolling. Tollbooth removal eliminates obstacles, increases sight lines and reduces stress and distractions for customers entering and exiting the system.
In the coming months, traditional toll plazas will start to be removed, and each interchange reconfigured to provide an unobstructed traffic flow. While each demolition will be unique to its physical location, timing and traffic, the entire process will prioritize customer safety.
Pennsylvania State Police and PA Turnpike personnel will be positioned at impacted areas to assist drivers. Changeable message signs will also provide information on the traffic patterns. Motorists are encouraged to plan travel accordingly. Work schedules are subject to change based on weather conditions.
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.
A national transportation leader, the Pennsylvania Turnpike (PA Turnpike) is the second largest tolling facility in the United States with the most miles. The PA Turnpike proudly supports safety and convenience for its more than 550,000 daily customers through 24-7 roadside assistance, round-the-clock food and fuel at 17 service plazas and a dedicated maintenance force and State Police Troop. The PA Turnpike’s approximately 1,400-person local workforce is unified in its mission; to operate a safe, reliable, customer-valued toll road system that supports national mobility and commerce. For more information about the PA Turnpike’s mission, vision and values, please visit Home | PA Turnpike.
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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