News Release
    August 28, 2019

 

PA Turnpike Caps Summer of Busy Travel with Special Safety Patrols
More than 3.6 million motorists are expected to travel the Turnpike over the Labor Day holiday.

 

MIDDLETOWN, PA (Aug. 28, 2019) — The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission reports that summer travel on the system is up 1.5 percent over last summer, and 3.6 million motorists are expected to travel the Turnpike this upcoming holiday weekend.

“Family travel will be winding down as our kids head back to school and we settle into our fall routines,” said Turnpike CEO Mark Compton. “However, many are taking one last trip before saying goodbye to summer. Planning ahead and avoiding distracted or drowsy driving can make all the difference as we will see an upsurge in traffic on the Turnpike over the next few days.”

The PA Turnpike anticipates a projected 3.6 million vehicles to travel the statewide roadway beginning Thursday, Aug. 29 and ending Tuesday, Sept. 3.

Friday, Aug. 30 will be the most heavily-traveled day with approximately 760,000 vehicles on the Turnpike, followed by Thursday, Aug. 29 with approximately 700,000 vehicles. Friday afternoon will be a peak travel time.   

The rest of the traffic breakdown is as follows:

  • Saturday, Aug. 31 with 550,000 vehicles;
  • Sunday, Sept. 1 with 475,000 vehicles;
  • Monday, Sept. 2 with 500,000 vehicles;
  • Tuesday, Sept. 3 with 630,000 vehicles.

To help accommodate heavier holiday traffic, the Turnpike will suspend maintenance work and have all available lanes open in each direction beginning at 3 p.m. on Aug. 29 through 11 p.m. on Sept. 2.

“We have seen a very active summer travel season and will have additional patrols on the roadway this weekend to assist motorists and keep travelers safe,” said Corporal Holly Reber-Billings, PA State Police, Troop T. “Please remember to move over and slow down when approaching emergency vehicles and tow trucks stopped along the roadway providing assistance to motorists. It is the law and it protects those who are working close to traffic.”

Before you go

For information to prepare you for travel on the PA Turnpike click here: https://www.paturnpike.com/summerFun/default.aspx

How to get help

For emergencies 

The Pennsylvania Turnpike is ready to provide support to all Turnpike motorists who need emergency assistance 24/7 365 days a year. If you are in an accident, stay in your vehicle and call *11 on a cell phone to alert the PA Turnpike Operations Center to your location and need for assistance. 

Learn more about knowing what to do in an emergency

https://www.paturnpike.com/travel/what_todo_emergency.aspx  

For travel conditions 

Road conditions are constantly changing, so the PA Turnpike wants to make sure you are informed before you head out the door as well as while traveling.  

 
 
CONTACT:

Rosanne Placey
Phone: (717) 831-7507
Carl DeFebo
Phone: (717) 831-7176