State Police to Increase Patrols on Turnpike Over Labor Day Weekend

By Kara Seymour

Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission officials estimate as many as 2.2 million vehicles are expected to travel the highway over the Labor Day weekend.

Officials are warning residents to adhere to speed limits, as State Police will be cracking down on speeding and aggressive driving over the coming weekend.

“Patrols and enforcement efforts will be increased to watch for aggressive driving and ensure holiday-traveler safety,” said Captain Gregory M. Bacher of Pennsylvania State Police Troop T, the unit responsible for patrolling the Pennsylvania Turnpike.

To prepare for the higher traffic volume, Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission roadway maintenance activities will be suspended from 3 p.m. on Thursday. until 6 a.m. on Wednesday.

“This will allow all travel lanes to be open to traffic except in the case of emergencies. Construction activity that does not impact travel lanes may continue behind protective barriers in some areas, thereby reducing shoulder widths,” according to information from the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission.

Throughout the weekend, Turnpike maintenance crews and safety patrols will monitor the highway, ready to assist travelers in case of an accident or breakdown.