PA Turnpike July 4th Holiday Week Traffic: What To Know

PENNSYLVANIA — All construction has been suspended on the Pennsylvania Turnpike as America prepares to celebrate its 249th birthday and the turnpike commission expects more motorists on the toll road.

This also will be the first significant holiday with a new state law for motorists in effect.

It's anticipated more than 5.88 million motorists will use the turnpike from now through July 6. That is a projected 3.4 percent increase over the same period in 2024.

The anticipated peak day through that period is 685,000 motorists on July 3. The estimated second-busiest day will be July 1, with 635,000 people expected on the road.

The least busiest day will be Independence Day itself, with 405,000 motorists traveling to their respective fireworks festivities.

Pennsylvania State Police will have extra patrols on the turnpike during the holiday.

Police remind motorists that this will be the first major holiday since a new state law went into effect banning the use of hand-held devices while driving, even when stopped due to traffic, a red light or other delay. People are advised to power off their devices and remove any other unnecessary distractions from their vehicles.

Motorists in need of assistance due to an accident, breakdown or other emergency should call the turnpike safety patrol at *11.

Additionally, the turnpike commission advises: