MIDDLETOWN – The Pennsylvania Turnpike is preparing for one of its busiest travel periods as motorists take to the roads for the Fourth of July holiday.
Officials project more than 5.88 million vehicles will use the turnpike from June 27 through July 6, a 3.4 percent increase from last year. The heaviest travel days were predicted to be Friday, June 27 and Thursday, July 3, with more than 700,000 vehicles anticipated each day.
To accommodate the surge, the turnpike will suspend all construction and maintenance projects from June 27 at 5 a.m. through July 6 at 11 p.m., ensuring all lanes remain open.
The Pennsylvania State Police will increase patrols to enforce speed limits and safe driving practices. This holiday marks the first major travel period since the enactment of “Paul Miller’s Law,” which bans the use of hand-held devices while driving, even when stopped temporarily.
Drivers are also reminded of a new law prohibiting devices that flip license plates to evade tolls, with violators facing a $2,000 fine.
Travelers in western Pennsylvania may notice construction as the turnpike continues its transition to Open Road Tolling, allowing for electronic toll collection at highway speeds. The system is already in place east of the Reading Interchange and along the Northeast Extension.
Officials encourage motorists to drive responsibly, avoid distractions and use E-ZPass for savings. The turnpike’s GEICO Safety Patrol will be on duty to assist travelers, and help is available by dialing *11.
The turnpike also warns customers to avoid responding to unsolicited texts about unpaid tolls and to use official channels for account management.
For real-time updates, travelers can use the 511PA app, visit 511pa.com or call 511 for local information.
