Ohio Turnpike launching new toll collection system: Here’s how it will work
Changes have been made along the Ohio Turnpike near the Mahoning Valley as the state fully integrates a new modernized toll collection system that’s been in the works since 2023.
Drivers who use I-80, I-90 and I-76 have probably noticed these changes while traveling on the 241-mile Ohio Turnpike in the past year, like automated toll payment machines and E-ZPass lanes.
Some of the changes include removing ticketing at several stops and incorporating more automated toll payment machines.
Incorporating E-ZPass lanes
Over the next several weeks, the Ohio Turnpike said they’ll fully integrate the final modernized toll collection system across the state, after a few more tests.
It’s a combination of tolling for two types of drivers: open road tolling lanes for E-ZPass customers and a gated exit system for non-E-ZPass customers who will pay by cash or credit card.
So far, they’ve added electronic tolling components and E-ZPass lanes with entry gates that are permanently opened.
An example of this can be found at Toll Plaza 209 in Warren in Trumbull County.
These lanes are all electronic, utilizing sensors to read E-ZPass transponders, classify vehicles and charge drivers automatically for using the roads.
With the new statewide system, all the exit gates in E-ZPass lanes will stay open, letting traffic flow faster.
Approaching the Ohio/Pennsylvania border
A toll booth on the border of Ohio and Pennsylvania is becoming a one-direction flat rate toll plaza.
Drivers traveling eastbound into Pennsylvania on the Ohio Turnpike will no longer be charged a toll at Eastgate Toll Plaza, according to the new system.
Drivers coming back in to Ohio traveling west on the turnpike will have to pay a new flat rate toll. It applies for both E-ZPass and cash/credit card customers.
‘No Toll, Keep Moving’
As part of the new toll collection system, nine toll plazas will become non-tolled, including a few Mahoning Valley.
Drivers will still be able to access these nine interchanges, but there will be no toll collection staff on site.
Here are a few in Mahoning and Trumbull counties that will have signs saying “No Toll, Keep Moving”:
- Toll Plaza 215 (Lordstown-West) Trumbull County
- Toll Plaza 216 (Lordstown-East) in Trumbull County
- Toll Plaza 218 (Niles-Youngstown) in Mahoning County
- Toll Plaza 232 (Youngstown) in Mahoning County
- Toll Plaza 234 (Youngstown-Poland) in Mahoning County
There’s a new toll booth coming to the area at milepost 211, the Newton Falls Toll Plaza in Trumbull County.
It’s one of two new mainline ends of the state’s toll system.
Drivers going westbound without an E-ZPass will have to stop at Newton Falls Toll Plaza and take a ticket, which they’ll have to pay for when coming back.
It’ll be an open tolling lane for drivers who do have E-ZPass, so they won’t need to stop.
It’s unclear when the new toll will start at milepost 211.
This story was originally published March 26, 2024 at 12:31 PM.
