The Pennsylvania Turnpike will remove the Downingtown interchange tollbooth as part of a statewide shift to open-road tolling, writes David Mowery for The Citizens’ Voice.
The PA Turnpike plans to replace toll plazas and cash tolls with open-road tolling (ORT). ORT introduces large overhead structures that scan EZ Passes or license plates for Toll-By-Plate transactions.
Ultimately, with the expanded overhead scanning in place of condensed tollbooths, drivers will experience less traffic congestion and lane switching on the interchange.
Additionally, ORT’s electronic systems also produce lower carbon emissions.
Existing systems have reduced turnpike emissions by 45 percent. Officials project the new ORT locations will reduce emissions by an additional 7 percent.
Originally, PA Turnpike’s ORT expansion began with the removal of the Pocono interchange tollbooth (Exit 95). The turnpike plans to remove the Valley Forge interchange booth this year, and the Downingtown interchange tollbooth in 2026.
The switch to open-road tolling will also reduce interchange maintenance by $25 million.
Turnpike CEO Mark Compton shared that the transition will better meet the needs of modern transportation and make interchange travel easier for all. Compton stated, “We look forward to providing customers with a safer and more convenient travel experience on the PA Turnpike.”
Read more about the Pennsylvania Turnpike’s plan to expand open-road tolling across Southeastern PA in The Citizens’ Voice.
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