Turnpike officials expect Memorial Day traffic to nearly double from last year
May 27—What a difference a year makes.
The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission project traffic on the toll highway over the Memorial Day holiday will almost double to 2.1 million motorists compared to 2020, when travelling options were severely impacted by shutdowns and safety concerns due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The agency anticipates an increase of 900,000 vehicles from last year's 1.2 million users between Friday and Monday.
As more people begin travelling again, the agency became aware of some disturbing travel trends that pose risks, said Mark Compton, CEO of the turnpike commission. The trends became apparent through state police turnpike patrol citations, plus observations during turnpike patrols and by the agency's maintenance staff, according to agency spokeswoman Roseanne Placey.
"While many of our customers are returning to the roadway after more than a year, we are seeing concerning trends showing that many who are driving now are forgetting their safe-driving behaviors," Compton said. "Motorists are driving at excessive speeds, as well as using their cellphones more frequently and for longer periods of time."
As the start of the summer begins, turnpike officials want to reinforce safe driving behaviors, Compton stressed.
"Please put your phones down so you won't be tempted to respond to a text or call while driving. Also be alert to your speed and what is happening on, and along, the roadway," he said. "Speeding, coupled with distracted driving, is a highly dangerous combination that, unfortunately, we are now seeing as a more frequent occurrence."
State police Cpl. Holly Reber-Billings of the agency's Troop T, which patrols the turnpike, said troopers will be out in force during the holiday weekend enforcing highway safety regulations across the state.
"Troop T wants everyone to have a safe and happy Memorial Day," Reber-Billings said.
She urged motorists to do their part to reduce traffic incidents "by giving driving your full attention."
Authorities also noted in April the state's "Move Over" law took effect that requires drivers approaching an emergency response area who are unable to safely merge into a lane farther away from the response area to slow down to at least 20 mph under the posted speed limit. An emergency response area is where an emergency vehicle has its lights flashing, or where road crews or emergency responders have lit flares, posted signs or are trying to warn motorists.
The new law carries a fine of $500 for a first offense.
Turnpike officials projected the busiest travel day will be Friday, with 718,000 vehicles, followed by Saturday, with 523,000 vehicles, and some 487,000 will be on the highways Monday. The agency anticipates the least number of vehicles on the toll roads will occur Sunday with 454,000 vehicles.
To help accommodate holiday traffic increases, the turnpike is suspending maintenance work and will have all available lanes open in each direction through 11 p.m. Monday.
The turnpike no longer uses cash or credit cards on its ticket system. All tolls are assessed electronically via E-ZPass or by the turnpike's "Toll by Plate" program as vehicles travel at posted speed limits through tolling points. With "Toll by Plate," high-speed cameras capture license-plate images as vehicles pass through.
The registered vehicle owner receives an invoice within 30 days for trips made through the tolling point. Invoices can be paid online, by phone or by mail.
Motorists using the turnpike's service plazas may experience service delays as fewer food concepts are available. This is due to lower staffing levels related to the pandemic.
Fully vaccinated patrons are not required to wear masks in the service plazas.
More information is available at paturnpike.com.
Paul Peirce is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Paul at 724-850-2860, ppeirce@triblive.com or via Twitter .
