Safety Keys

Staying safe while traveling the PA Turnpike may take some planning. If you are ever in need of emergency assistance while on the PA Turnpike, please dial star (*) 11 from a cell phone to reach the operations center 24/7. If possible, please be ready to communicate your milepost (markers are every tenth of a mile along the shoulder) and the direction of travel to the dispatcher.

Travel Conditions

snow

Road conditions are constantly changing, so the PA Turnpike wants to make sure you are informed before you head out the door and while traveling. 

The travel conditions map allows you to view current roadway conditions and advisories for the stretch of Turnpike on which you will be traveling.

Check our travel alerts X (formerly Twitter) feed for up to date traffic conditions information. 

Visit www.511PA.com is an interactive map with information on traffic conditions statewide.

Dynamic Message Signs 

When traveling the PA Turnpike, pay attention to our Dynamic Message Signs. These large, electronic signs along the roadway are used to warn motorists of approaching traffic congestion, accidents, weather alerts, safety messages and more.

Emergencies

Car with a flat tire

Drive Safe Through Work Zones

go orange

When driving through a work zone on the PA Turnpike, Go Orange by following all posted speed limits. Keep your eyes up. Put your phone down. Go Orange for the sake of our workers. Your wallet. Your life.

Lives can be impacted by reckless driving.

Sign the Go Orange Pledge.

Know the consequences of driving unsafely through work zones.

    Speed Limit at Toll Points

    Toll Point with 15 MPH speed limit signs
    • All-Electronic Tolling is activated on the PA Turnpike and motorists should not stop while traveling through an interchange.
    • Even though you're not stopping, you must still follow the posted Toll Point speed limit of 15 MPH for the safety of yourself, other motorists, and any employees who may be at the interchange.
    • Open Road Tolling is launching Jan. 5, 2025, from Reading East and along the Northeast Extension and is coming to the rest of the Turnpike in 2027. This new system will read your E-ZPass and license plate on the highway instead of at toll plazas, which will eventually be removed. For more about this cashless, free-flowing system, visit Open Road Tolling | PA Turnpike. 

    Preparing Your Vehicle

    Winter brings unexpected travel conditions. You may not be able to predict the weather, but you can be prepared with these tips:

    • Test your vehicle’s heater and defroster to make sure they are still working properly.
    • Do your wipers streak? If yes, consider installing winter wiper blades.
    • Double check to make sure all your lights work.
    • Check your tire pressure to be sure they are properly inflated.
    • If you run into any issues with your car while traveling the PA Turnpike, call *11 from a cellphone to reach an operator.

     

    Winter Driving Safety

    When snow hits, our crews work around the clock to maintain safe driving conditions. In return, we expect our customers to do their part by driving safely, no matter the weather. Here are a few tips:

    • Avoid unnecessary travel during bad weather.
    • State law requires windows and mirrors to be completely clear to improve visibility. Don't forget to clear the hood, roof and trunk, too.
    • Avoid sudden stops and starts.
    • Slow down and increase following distance.
    • Never use cruise control when driving on snow.

    Don’t Pass a Plow

    When encountering a plow truck on the roadway please remember – you should NEVER crowd or pass a plow. 

    Plow drivers have limited visibility and cannot see directly behind the truck. Motorists should not pass or drive next to a plow as the truck can unexpectedly move sideways. Besides -- road in front of the plow is in much worse condition, so you’re safest traveling behind it.

    Winter Emergency Kit

    When driving during winter, it is important that you have an emergency kit handy. Whether you slip off the road or puncture a tire, your kit will help you get back to traveling quickly and safely. Here are some suggestions of what you could include in your emergency kit: (1) Watch | Facebook