Open Road Tolling, 5% toll increase, to start on Pennsylvania Turnpike on January 5
Major changes are coming to the Pennsylvania Turnpike (PA Turnpike) this weekend as officials increase and change the toll structure and begin implementing Open Road Tolling on the eastern portion of the Turnpike.
PA Turnpike Toll Increase Ahead
Starting on January 5, 2025, a 5% toll increase will be put into place on the PA Turnpike, though it will look a little different this year.
The PA Turnpike Authority is adjusting tolling rates to provide a consistent price mile-to-mile, and switching from tolling based on weight classifications to tolling based on axle and height via Automatic Vehicle Classification (AVC).
Officials say that about 70% of commercial vehicles will see a toll increase of $5 or less.
“The standardization of rates and the move to AVC will not result in additional revenues for the Turnpike beyond the 5% increase approved for 2025. The change in vehicle classification will have a limited impact on non-commercial customers; most widely impacting commercial customers who primarily travel the PA Turnpike empty,” the PA Turnpike Authority said.
Open Roll Tolling Begins For Eastern Section Of Turnpike
In addition to the changes in toll rates, Turnpike officials will also begin implementing Open Road Tolling (ORT) at 12:01 a.m. on January 5 east of Reading and on the Northeast Extension
According to the PA Turnpike Authority, “in an ORT system, tolls are charged electronically as customers drive at highway speeds without slowing down or stopping beneath overhead structures — called gantries — located between interchanges. Equipment on the gantry and in the roadway processes E-ZPass or Toll By Plate transactions. ORT eliminates the confusion and lane switching associated with traditional, stop-and-go tolling. Removal of toll booths eliminates obstacles, increases sight lines for customers and ultimately reduces stress and distractions when entering and exiting the system.”
Later this year, crews will begin removing toll plazas in the eastern sections of the Turnpike.
Officials say that toll gantry construction in the western section is currently underway ahead of the January 2027 western launch.
“The launch of Open Road Tolling is perhaps the most significant change since the Pennsylvania Turnpike opened in 1940 as ‘America’s First Superhighway’ and continues our legacy as a national leader in transportation,” said Pennsylvania Department of Transportation Secretary and PA Turnpike Commission Chair Mike Carroll. “The future is now as we bring a safer and more efficient way for motorists to commute, safely transport freight and explore “The Great American Getaway” that is our Commonwealth.”