PA Turnpike Designates Parking Spots for Military Veterans at Service Plazas Along its Roadway
PA Turnpike Designates Parking Spots for Military Veterans at Service Plazas Along its Roadway
WAYNE, Pa. — On the heels of Armed Forces Day, the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission (PA Turnpike) unveiled dedicated parking spaces for customers who have served in United States military. A partnership with Pennsylvania Representative Jennifer O’Mara, the Pennsylvania American Legion and American Legion Post 329 in Elizabethtown, the new initiative provides dedicated parking at service plaza locations along its system.
“We are proud to recognize all those who served our country and these dedicated parking spaces serve as a small token of our appreciation," said PA Turnpike CEO Mark Compton. “This initiative furthers our commitment to honoring and creating meaningful opportunities for veterans within our community.”
All 17 service plazas along the PA Turnpike’s 565+ mile system now feature two designated Veterans Parking spots. Veterans do not need a placard or other designation to park in these spaces.
The partnership was initiated by Rep. O’Mara as a way to better honor Pennsylvania veterans and those traveling through our Commonwealth.
“As the wife of a combat veteran, I know firsthand how much our veterans have sacrificed for us,” said Rep. O’Mara. “While this is a small gesture of thanks, it will have a big impact on many veterans every day as they travel across the state.”
The partnership is supported by the Pennsylvania American Legion, who is covering the costs of the signage.
"The dedication of these 'Veterans Only' parking spaces along the Pennsylvania Turnpike is a powerful, visible reminder that the Commonwealth never forgets the sacrifices of those who served,” said State Adjutant Woody Hogan, Pennsylvania American Legion. “At The American Legion, our commitment to mutual helpfulness means ensuring veterans feel respected and supported in every corner of Pennsylvania—whether they are at home or traveling our great highways. We are proud to see the Turnpike Commission join us in this meaningful gesture of gratitude."
Supporting veterans is part of the Pennsylvania Turnpike’s commitment to enhance customer experience and connection.
In 2025, the PA Turnpike teamed up with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to connect Veterans in rural areas with information at all PA Turnpike Service Plazas about Veterans’ telehealth options, the closest VA location, and the Veterans Crisis Line — empowering Veterans in crisis or others concerned about one to access free and confidential support from caring and trained responders 24/7, 365 days a year.
Recently, the PA Turnpike’s Employee Network created the Voices of Veterans Council, to honor, support, and elevate the experiences of veteran employees and their families across the organization.
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