Motorists in New Hampshire and Pennsylvania should prepare for significant changes in tolling systems as multiple upgrades and constructions are set to impact traffic patterns in the coming weeks.
Starting on April 1, 2025, the two high-speed lanes of the Open Road Toll system at the Hooksett tolls will be closed for two months for necessary upgrades. This decision is being made as the system, which was installed in 2013, has reached its life expectancy, according to the New Hampshire Department of Transportation. During this time, all traffic will be diverted through traditional cash and E-ZPass lanes, which will have a reduced speed limit of 25 mph. This project aims to enhance the toll experience as New Hampshire transitions to more automated systems.
New Hampshire has a long history with tolls, dating back to their installation on I-95 in Hampton in 1950. With advancements in technology, the Open Road Tolling (ORT) method was first implemented in the state in 2010, allowing vehicles to pass through tolls without stopping, thereby improving traffic flow.
In Pennsylvania, traffic impacts are also expected on the Turnpike due to Open Road Tolling preparations. Motorists near the Somerset exchange should be aware of occasional 30-minute traffic stoppages to allow crews to safely erect toll gantries for a system launch set for 2027. These stoppages will happen during overnight hours to minimize disruption, with work scheduled for March 20, 21, and 30. This necessary measure involves PA Turnpike vehicles maintaining reduced speeds of 15-20 mph during the stoppages to ensure the safety of workers and motorists.
The ORT system in Pennsylvania is designed to allow drivers to pay tolls electronically while maintaining highway speeds, eliminating the need to slow down or stop at toll booths. This transition is expected to reduce congestion and enhance the overall travel experience.
Meanwhile, in New Jersey, lane closures are scheduled for the Interstate 78 Toll Bridge’s two-lane Express E-ZPass toll-collection facility. Effective from March 20 to March 24, both westbound lanes will be temporarily shut down for concrete saw-cutting, pouring, finishing, and curing of new slabs in a project aimed at improving the 15-year-old facility. Daytime traffic will be managed with temporary lane openings to alleviate congestion during peak hours.
Each of these changes marks a significant shift towards modernizing toll systems across the Northeast, with an emphasis on improving safety and efficiency for drivers. The combined efforts across these states signal a move towards fully electronic tolling systems that could reshape how motorists navigate highways in the future.
Motorists are urged to stay updated on construction schedules and plan their trips accordingly to avoid delays. Weather conditions may alter work schedules, so it’s wise for drivers to check for real-time updates. The move towards more automated systems not only benefits the state by enhancing toll revenues but aims to improve the convenience and experience for everyday commuters and travelers alike.
