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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. It provides 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 

Changeable Message Signs

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

Portable changeable message signs (PCMS) are also used throughout the Turnpike System. These PCMS are used for the same purpose as the permanently mounted CMS.  The PCMS are mounted to trailers and can be transported very quickly to locations when the need arises.

The CMS 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.  Email 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.

Alternate Routing Plans

In emergency situations the PA Turnpike may close certain sections of roadway and reroute traffic around the affected area. The Commission has established pre-approved routes for both commercial and passenger vehicles.  When traffic is being detoured, these routes can be found at 511PA.com. 

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.