PA Turnpike: Delays Expected Over 4th Of July Holiday Period

PENNSYLVANIA— Nearly 6 million people likely will use the Pennsylvania Turnpike during the upcoming Independence Day weekend through next week. That's an increase of more than a million motorists over the same period last year.

Turnpike Commission CEO Mark Compton is predicting 5.7 million vehicles will use the toll road from July 2 through July 11.

“The traffic during this 10-day period represents a near return to pre-pandemic traffic levels and more than a one million increase over last year’s traffic numbers during the pandemic," Compton said.

“Additionally, speeding, and distracted driving have become more acute since the pandemic. Travelers should be alert, properly prepared, and expect some delays. Friday afternoons are likely to be peak travel times.”

Here is the turnpike commission's daily traffic estimates during the holiday period:

• July 2 — 690,000 vehicles.
• July 3 — 525,000 vehicles.
• July 4 — 420,000 vehicles.
• July 5 — 525,000 vehicles.
• July 6 & 7— 600,000 vehicles.
• July 8 — 625,000 vehicles.
• July 9 — 675,000 vehicles.
• July 10 — 540,000 vehicles.
• July 11 — 535,000 vehicles.

The turnpike commission will have patrols and safety teams throughout the road that will respond to travelers needing assistance. They also will be on the lookout for illegal or unsafe behaviors.

To help accommodate heavier holiday traffic, the turnpike will suspend maintenance and construction work and have all available lanes open in each direction beginning 5 a.m. on July 2 through 11 p.m. on July 11.

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