In August of 2022, the Ohio Turnpike and Infrastructure Commission made a significant announcement. Quoting OTIC Executive Director Ferzan Ahmed:
- “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. 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.”
Many customers who travel the Ohio Turnpike will begin to see the implementation of the new electronic Toll Collection System (TCS), which is a way to allow for open road tolling. In short, vehicles will no longer need to come to a complete stop as they pass through the toll plaza, and the gates that would ordinarily stop traffic will soon be a thing of the past.
The Importance of Obeying Toll Plaza Speed Limits
With no gates to stop traffic, Ohio Turnpike toll plazas will become far more fluid, faster-moving, and more fuel efficient with virtually no stop-and-go traffic or long waits in line. However, the slowdown and speedup of traffic also poses a risk for traffic accidents and harm to toll plaza employees, hence the importance of strictly obeying Ohio Turnpike and Infrastructure Commission speed limits of 10mph at all toll plazas.
The first toll plazas where drivers will notice changes are:
- Toll Plaza 52 (Toledo Airport-Swanton/S.R. 2)
- Toll Plaza 71 (Stony Ridge-Toledo/S.R. 420 and I-280)
- Toll Plaza 151 (North Ridgeville-Cleveland/I-480)
- Toll Plaza 173 (Cleveland/S.R. 21 and I-77)
Open road tolling is the future of toll roads, and it’s a welcome development that will make toll plazas more efficient and faster. But the importance of toll plaza safety could not be more clear. Maintaining a low speed (no faster than 10mph) is the most important factor in ensuring safety for drivers, passengers, and toll plaza employees. Again quoting Mr. Ahmed:
- “We urge all motorists to obey the 10-mph speed limit in all toll lanes for the safety of travelers and turnpike employees. This is especially important as we begin to remove the entry gates as part of our new system conversion.”
Seek Legal Help When Injured
Every Ohioan should do their best to navigate the changing toll plazas safely, but if you or someone you care about is injured in a toll plaza, seek medical attention immediately, then call NRS Injury Law at 855.977.6670.
Sources Cited:
[1] OTIC. "Modernization of the Ohio Turnpike Continues with Lane Conversions and Removal of Gates at Toll Plazas.” Ohio Turnpike and Infrastructure Commission, 2022. ohioturnpike.org
