More Than 6 Million PA Turnpike Drivers Expected Over Holidays

About 6.3 million vehicles are expected to travel on the Pennsylvania Turnpike between Thursday and New Year’s Day, according to turnpike commission officials.

Even with less than ideal weather conditions, Thursday and Friday are expected to be the most heavily traveled days, with 675,000 vehicles on the 52-mile roadway each day.

“While there may be...heavy rain and snow in the forecast, the weather does not seem to be a deterrent for those heading out for the holidays,” turnpike commission CEO Mark Compton said in a commission release.

Here’s what you need to know about turnpike travel over the holidays:

• If you’re looking to avoid turnpike traffic between now and New Year’s Day, try traveling on Dec. 29 - just 350,000 vehicles are expected on the road. The other lightest travel days are projected to be Dec. 25 and 30, with about 410,000 vehicles each day.

• The turnpike will have increased police, safety and maintenance patrols throughout the holiday period. Pennsylvania State Police Lt. David Devitt said police will focus on moving violations, including aggressive and distracted driving.

• To report an accident or emergency on the turnpike, dial *11 on your mobile phone.

• Free coffee will be available at all turnpike service plaza vendors (except for Starbucks) from 9 p.m. on New Years Eve through 5 a.m. on New Year’s Day.

Photo: Getty Images.

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