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Advanced Travelers Information System

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511PA

We partner with 511PA to help keep travelers safe. 511PA is a statewide travel information service that helps reduce congestion and improve safety on Pennsylvania roadways. They provide reliable traffic, weather, and transit information to travelers. 511PA offers a number of features to utilize including:

  • Personal Alerts: Text message alerts for roadways you subscribe to
  • Map: Interactive map that shows up-to-date travel restrictions, weather alerts, construction, and more
  • Weather: Alerts, forecasts, stations, and restrictions
  • Traffic Cameras: Recent roadway traffic conditions
  • Other Resources: Data feeds, transit information, tourism resources, and more 

Variable Message Signs

The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission currently operates permanent variable message signs at strategic locations along the PA Turnpike. These programmable signs are operational 24 hours a day and are controlled from the Commission’s Operations Control Center in Middletown, Pennsylvania. Future plans call for the installation of additional permanent variable message signs to be located at other key points throughout the Turnpike System.

Portable variable message signs are also used throughout the Turnpike System. These portable signs are used for the same purpose as the permanently mounted message boards. The portable signs are mounted to trailers and can be transported very quickly to locations where the need arises.

The variable message signs have proven to be a valuable tool to forewarn travelers of potential delays due to crashes, construction activities, adverse weather conditions, and heavy traffic.

Media Notification

The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission notifies the media of traffic conditions on the PA Turnpike via fax. Fax messages are sent to traffic advisory services and radio stations, with updates as appropriate. The Commission also provides the same information to large commercial trucking firms utilizing the PA Turnpike.

Travel Board® InfoCenters

Travel Board® InfoCenters are located in each of the service plazas located along the PA Turnpike. The travel boards feature a large illuminated map of the PA Turnpike and provide travelers with directions, distance, and driving times to various Pennsylvania destinations. The travel boards also provide PA Turnpike interchange and service plaza locations, safety information, and lodging information, along with vacancy indicator lights and a toll-free telephone. An electronic message center allows the Operations Control Center to provide instant and updated information on road conditions and construction on the PA Turnpike. "Road alert" indicator lights show locations of travel advisories.

Alternate Routing Plans

The Turnpike Commission’s road closure procedure, "Plan X," is the method by which the Commission, in emergency situations such as multiple vehicle accidents, closes certain sections of the PA Turnpike and reroutes traffic around the affected sections. The Commission has established pre-approved routes for both commercial and passenger vehicles. PA Turnpike personnel at affected interchanges will distribute written re-routing directional cards to assist exiting customers.

A roadway closure may be warranted under the following circumstances:

  • The road blockage is expected to remain for at least an hour or more.
  • The traffic backlog from a crash is lengthy, with no immediate expectation of improved conditions.
  • Situations which would merit road closure in the best judgment of the on-scene Commission personnel and Pennsylvania State Police.