New 'E-ZPass Only' Interchange (Exit #87) Now Open in Carbon County

All ramps at Exit 87 connecting I-476 and State Route 903 are available to E-ZPass Tagholders.

The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission (PTC) announced that the Route 903 E-ZPass Only Interchange connecting the Northeastern Extension (I-476) to State Route 903 in Penn Forest Township, Carbon County opened to traffic at 2:45 p.m. today — in time for the Independence Day weekend.

The new full or “four-way” interchange, designated as the Route 903 Interchange (Exit #87) to Jim Thorpe/Lake Harmony, will allow E-ZPass tagholders only to get on or off I-476 in either direction. The interchange will shorten travel times and improve access to and from attractions in the Poconos.

The PTC plans to hold a ceremony to commemorate the opening early next week after the holiday rush.

Turnpike travelers must have an active E-ZPass account and a properly installed transponder to utilize the interchange. If a non-E-ZPass motorist attempts to exit — intentionally or otherwise — an image of the vehicle license plate will be automatically captured, and the PTC will mail a violation notice to the registered owner. The first violation notice will include the toll from the furthest entry point (the Ohio line in this case) plus a $25 administrative fee. Those who enter the Turnpike system without E-ZPass cannot obtain a toll ticket (proof of entry) to show upon exit and will be charged from the furthest entry point.

Purchasing an E-ZPass transponder is easier than ever. In fact, there are 10 locations within 20 miles of the new interchange where motorists can pick up an E-ZPass “GoPak” — a live, ready-to-use transponder. E-ZPass retailers nearby include: the Sunoco A-Plus Store inside the Hickory Run Service Plaza; Walmart in Mount Pocono, Lehighton and Wilkes-Barre; A&S Katz Messenger Offices in Broadheadsville and Stroudsburg; Giant Foods in Lehighton; AAA Offices in Stroudsburg and Wilkes-Barre; and Wegmans in Wilkes-Barre. The E-ZPass GoPak costs $38 which includes a $3 initial annual fee and a $35 toll balance. In addition, retail locations assess a convenience fee of $2 to $7 upon purchase. Customers must register their transponder within 72 hours of purchase online at www.paturnpike.com or by calling 877-736-6727.

The traffic signals on Route 903 at the intersection of the entry/exit ramps — flashing in “test mode” since June 23 — are now operational. With the opening of the tolling facility, some of the other work adjacent to the bridge and ramps, seeding and grading for example, and work necessary to fulfill the permit requirements, will continue.

Today, a majority of Turnpike customers – more than 75 percent – choose to pay with E-ZPass. E-ZPass users pay about 35 percent less than cash rates on the PA Turnpike. E-ZPass has been available in Pennsylvania for 15 years. With more than 28 million E-ZPass tags in circulation among 26 toll agencies across 15 states, E-ZPass is the world’s largest interoperable tolling system. The PTC manages about 1.6 million active E-ZPass accounts, with about 2.2 million transponders in circulation.

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