March 18, 2017
Toll booths along the Pennsylvania Turnpike will soon have a different look as crews install upgraded technology.
On Friday, the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission revealed plans to remove the feedback-signal lights in E-ZPass lanes. The red, yellow and green lights were introduced in 2001 to allow drivers to know that payment was received.
Craig Shuey, the commission's chief operating officer, said the technology has become "outdated and cumbersome." The lights are now prohibited by federal guidelines.
“As the commission prepares to update toll equipment in the lanes with more modern hardware and software, we are incorporating new federal signage standards," Shuey said. "While the removal of signals may cause some initial confusion, it will soon become the norm as our customers adjust to the change.”
Workers started decommissioning signals Friday at the Harrisburg West Interchange (Exit 242). The entire 550-mile system is expected to be completed by the end of the year.
At "E-ZPass Only" interchanges in the Philadelphia suburbs and the Harrisburg area, drivers will see light stations wrapped in yellow plastic.
Motorists are reminded to continue traveling through E-ZPass lanes at the posted speed limits.
