SPRINGFIELD TOWNSHIP, Ohio (WKBN) – Those driving from Pennsylvania into Ohio on the turnpike will find a clear road in front of them if they use an E-Z Pass.
Beginning Wednesday, those with E-Z passes can avoid having to slow down or stop at the Eastgate Toll Plaza in Springfield Township. Their passes will be scanned electronically from above while still traveling at highway speed.
“Absolutely nonstop from Pennsylvania straight down the middle. E-Z Pass customers all the way through,” said Laurie Davis, director of toll operations for the Ohio Turnpike. “It’s definitely going to relieve some congestion down here at the PA line.”
Those without a pass will now stop to pay a flat rate for their vehicle that will cover any of the next five interchanges up to Newton Falls at milepost 211. From there, motorists continuing west will pick up a ticket and pay based on where they get off the highway. Those heading east from that point won’t face another toll into PA.
This is the final phase of a five-year, $250 million project known as “Open Road” where both the eastern and western ends of the turnpike offer non-tolled interchanges with flat rates. Flat rate tolls are also collected just before entering or leaving Indiana.
For those without an E-Z Pass who still think they can drive through without paying their toll, there are cameras in place to record vehicles and ultimately generate a bill in the mail.
There are no plans to institute a toll-by-plate system similar to the one now used in Pennsylvania.
