Many customers who travel on the Ohio Turnpike are beginning to see a glimpse of the new Toll Collection System–from the lane conversions and the removal of gates at toll plaza interchanges to the new construction and renovation of four mainline toll plazas that will permit EZPass open road tolling.
“We are currently undertaking the largest construction project in the history of the Ohio Turnpike since the years leading up to its completion in 1955,” said Ferzan Ahmed, executive director. “The modernization of the turnpike will enable E-ZPass open road tolling and gateless low-speed conventional lanes to enhance the driving experience for our passenger car and commercial truck customers.”
Lane conversions–which include the installation of new electronic tolling equipment, the removal of all entrance gates and the removal of gates from only E-ZPass exit lanes– are currently underway at four toll plaza interchanges.
They are exit 52, Maumee-Toledo/U.S. Route 20; exit 71, Stony Ridge-Toledo/State Route 420 and I-280; exit 151, North Ridgeville-Cleveland/I-480, and exit 173, Cleveland/U.S. Route 21 and I-77.
In all, 20 interchanges from toll plazas 52 to 209 along the Ohio Turnpike will be converted under the modernization plan, which includes a reduction of toll plazas from 31 to 24.
To assist motorists in getting accustomed to the system, new Patron Dynamic Message Signs (PDMS) will be installed at eye level at each of the converted lanes.
The PDMS will provide customers with messages, such as “E-ZPass accepted,” which indicates an account is in good standing; or “E-ZPass accepted, low balance, check account,” which indicates an account balance is getting low; or “Take ticket” if an EZPass transponder was not read properly or there is another issue.
