On Monday, Jan. 2, the westernmost Pennsylvania Turnpike toll plaza will convert to one-way tolling. Drivers will pay a toll when entering the commonwealth from Ohio, but not when leaving it.
Eastbound five-axle trucks now will pay $12 entering the turnpike: $3 for the first two axles plus $2 per additional axle. Previously, commercial vehicles weighing between 80,000 pounds and 100,000 pounds paid $10.75, while those weighing 62,000 pounds to 80,000 pounds paid $8.25.
The toll has doubled for eastbound four-wheelers, who now will pay $3 rather than the previous $1.50.
The change “will virtually eliminate peak-period turnpike congestion at the tollbooths,” said turnpike Chief Executive Joe Brimmeier.
Two eastbound Express E-ZPass lanes will open in August 2007, allowing those customers to drive through toll plazas at highway speed. The westbound turnpike will be converted to an “open” highway by August.
For more information, go to www.paturnpike.com.
