Lane Closures To Impact Several PA Turnpike Interchanges

BUCKS COUNTY, PA — As part of its work to convert the Pennsylvania Turnpike to Open Road Tolling, work will begin this week to reconfigure interchanges on the Northeast Extension and I-276.

Motorists can expect to see lane restrictions at the Fort Washington Interchange (Exit 338) and the Quakertown Interchange (Exit 44) in Bucks County starting July 28 and Valley Forge Interchange (Exit 326) starting the week of August 4. The travel restrictions are necessary for toll plaza demolition activities.

While the interchanges will remain open, there will be toll lane closures. Motorists should be patient, use caution, maintain a safe distance from other vehicles and adhere to speed limits. Motorists should also pay attention for new signage and speed limits.

The switch to open road tolling east of Reading and on the Northeast Extension occurred in January. In an open road tolling 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.

According to the Turnpike Commission, open road tolling reduces confusion and lane switching associated with traditional, stop-and-go tolling. Tollbooth removal eliminates obstacles, increases sight lines and reduces stress and distractions for customers entering and exiting the system.

In the coming months, traditional toll plazas will start to be removed, and each interchange reconfigured to provide an unobstructed traffic flow. While each demolition will be unique to its physical location, timing and traffic, the entire process will prioritize customer safety.

Pennsylvania State Police and PA Turnpike personnel will be positioned at impacted areas to assist drivers. Changeable message signs will also provide information on the traffic patterns. Motorists are encouraged to plan travel accordingly. Work schedules are subject to change based on weather conditions.