Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission Approves 2027 Annual Budget and 10-Year Capital Plan
Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission Approves 2027 Annual Budget and 10-Year Capital Plan
MIDDLETOWN, Pa. — Yesterday, the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission (PA Turnpike) unanimously approved the 2027 Annual Budget and the 2027-2036 Capital Plan. The $478 million operating budget represents 4% growth from the current year, and the 10-year Capital Plan invests $8.29 billion in infrastructure – supporting total reconstruction, interchanges, highway maintenance, facilities, structures, fleet and IT.
As an independently operated toll road, the PA Turnpike receives no tax dollars for its operations. Toll revenue provides reliable system funding that covers maintenance, repairs or infrastructure improvements.
The PA Turnpike projects almost $2 billion of revenue in the new fiscal year, with half directed to debt service. The burden of Act 44 of 2007-imposed debt makes it critical for the PA Turnpike to continue with its conservative budgeting strategy. Balancing an escalating debt portfolio means focusing on cost management and capital plan project prioritization. Act 44 of 2007 mandated that the PA Turnpike fund statewide transportation projects beyond the toll system – totaling $8.1 billion.
Despite recessions, inflation and the unpredictability of the economy and market, the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission continues to provide customers with a safe and reliable roadway that supports national mobility while delivering operating expenses under budget and limiting the rate of growth in actual operating expenses to a compound annual growth rate of just 1.85% since 2009.
"It's uncommon to forecast a balanced budget for 30 years, but strong leadership and efficient cost management have ensured the PA Turnpike's financial stability," said Pennsylvania Department of Transportation Secretary and PA Turnpike Commission Chair Mike Carroll. “The Pennsylvania Turnpike continues to grow and set new standards for interstate highway design without adding to the burden already placed on its customers due to Act 44, and this year’s budget is no exception.”
The Commission’s credit ratings with the four major rating agencies -- Moody’s Investor Services (“Moody’s”), Fitch Ratings Inc. (“Fitch”), S&P Global Ratings (“S&P”) and Kroll Bond Rating Agency (“Kroll”) – are at pre-Act 44 levels of “AA,” the second highest ranking available.
Traffic volumes increased 1.4% compared to the same period in fiscal year 2025. Passenger vehicle traffic held steady at 95% of peak 2019 levels while commercial vehicle traffic remained 12.3% above 2019 levels through the most recently completed fiscal year. Due to Act 44-related toll increases and traffic volume growth, toll revenues remain healthy and exceed 2026 estimates.
ADVANCING SAFETY
In 2027, $545.8 million of the $873.9 million Capital Plan budget will enhance the system’s infrastructure – improving safety, reducing congestion and providing a more efficient travel experience for PA Turnpike customers. It also allocates funds for 20 projects under the Total Reconstruction program – a system-wide initiative that increases capacity while making corridors safer, smoother and more efficient – and continues major bridge replacement projects at Hawk Falls and Beaver River, as well as work on I-95.
The Hawk Falls Bridge Replacement Project constructs a new steel, 720-foot arch bridge over Mud Run, realigns the Northeast Extension onto the new span and builds a new structure over State Route 534. Work recommenced on the superstructure’s deck placement in Carbon County. The $88 million project is anticipated to be completed this fall.
Section D30 of the PA Turnpike/I-95 Interchange Project is also scheduled to wrap up this fall. This reconstructs and widens the roadway to three lanes in each direction between Bensalem Boulevard and the I-95 flyover connection. The PA Turnpike/I-95 Interchange Project directly connected both roadways, making I-95 continuous throughout the Mid-Atlantic.
Another key component of the I-95 Interchange Project is the replacement of the Delaware River Bridge, which will improve the 70-year-old bridge to increase capacity, enhance safe travel and ease congestion. This project, in partnership with New Jersey Turnpike Authority (NJTA), just received a $600 million grant through the Bridge Investment Program. The last of three public meetings will take place later this month, where the project team will present the results of the detailed alternatives analysis.
“Reliable infrastructure leads to improved opportunities for the local community, increasing economic development and providing access and reliability that are critical to businesses,” said PA Turnpike Commission Vice Chair Pat Deon. “This year's capital plan carries our commitment to safety, while strengthening an 85-year-old roadway for current and future growth. These investments are critical for the millions who rely on the PA Turnpike.”
Recently, the PA Turnpike began one of its most complex projects to date with the total reconstruction and widening at Milepost 320-324, a four-mile stretch in Tredyffrin Township, Chester County.
The Beaver River Bridge Replacement Project constructs two new bridges to the north of the current bridge, expands the roadway from Milepost 12–14 to three lanes in each direction and widens the shoulders and median. Each bridge is a five-span, cast-in-place, segmental bridge that is 1,645 feet long and 200 feet high. The westbound bridge structure is anticipated to open in 2027.
“Over the last decade, the PA Turnpike has improved and expanded its roadway for Pennsylvania motorists,” said PA Turnpike Commissioner Sean Logan. “This year's capital plan continues to invest in safety, reliability and growth. We expect that only to continue as we launched Open Road Tolling system-wide this January, modernizing the PA Turnpike operations while improving mobility at our exit and entry points.”
To prepare for 2027’s Open Road Tolling (ORT) expansion west of Reading, this year’s budget supports interchange conversion and reconfiguration, as well as implementing tolling technology.
Interchange reconstruction east of Reading and on the Northeast Extension is entering the home stretch. By the end of 2026, toll booth removal on this section of the PA Turnpike – the first to convert to ORT – will be completed. Customers should soon begin to see its safety benefits, including a more natural, free traffic flow.
The 2027 annual budget also provides $79.5 million for the PA Turnpike’s dedicated, 24/7 coverage by Pennsylvania State Police Troop T.
ENHANCING CUSTOMER SERVICE
The approved 2027 budget invests $38 million to complete and roll out the PA Turnpike’s new back-office system, Journi. Designed to meet ever-changing consumer needs and provide a more streamlined and seamless experience, customers can expect “one-stop-shop” enhancements such as:
- Enhanced self-service capabilities
- Increased payment options
- More convenient and accessible communication channels
- More personalized interactions
- More efficient problem-solving
EMBRACING GROWTH
To prepare for 2027’s Open Road Tolling (ORT) expansion west of Reading, this year’s budget provides supports interchange conversion and reconfiguration, as well as implementing tolling technology.
Interchange reconstruction east of Reading and on the Northeast Extension is entering the home stretch. By the end of 2026, toll booth removal on this section of the PA Turnpike – the first to convert to ORT – will be completed. Customers should soon begin to see its safety benefits, including a more natural, free traffic flow.
The approved budget and previous budgets can be found here.
The 10-year Capital Plan can be found here.
For more information, follow the PA Turnpike on Facebook, Instagram or LinkedIn, or visit the PA Turnpike’s website.
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, PA Turnpike, Press Secretary: 267-408-5151, morbanek@paturnpike.com
Crispin Havener, PA Turnpike Assistant Press Secretary: 717-870-2841, chavener@paturnpike.com