NEWS

With 2019 toll increase, it will cost $50.40 to cross Pennsylvania on the Turnpike

Sam Ruland
York Daily Record

Starting on Jan. 6, Pennsylvania Turnpike tolls are going up for the 11th consecutive year. Under the new fares, it will cost $50.40 to travel from Neshaminy Falls — the eastern most start of the mainline — to Warrendale — the final toll plaza in the west. 

That's an increase of about six percent or $2.85, from the 2018 rates. E-Z pass rates remain significantly lower, costing $36.20 to cross the state. 

Pennsylvania Turnpike

But crossing the state isn't the most money you can spend on the turnpike. 

If you enter or exit in Wyoming Valley in Luzerne County — that's the northernmost part of I-476, the Northeastern Extension — your cash fare will be $58.10 come the new year.

More:Central Pa. woman racks up $26,000 in unpaid tolls from Pa. Turnpike, report says

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And if you're driving a huge Class 9 vehicle weighing over 100,001 pounds, your tolls could be over $2,000. 

In a July news release, the Turnpike Commission estimated "the most-common toll for a passenger vehicle will increase next year from $1.30 to $1.38 for E-ZPass customers and from $2.10 to $2.25 for cash customers."

Since 2009, tolls have increased annually to meet funding obligations, according to the release. 

“Parts of our tollway will soon turn 78 years old, and we owe it to toll-paying customers to continue to invest in our road to make it safer, smoother and wider,” said PA Turnpike CEO Mark Compton. "This year, about 84 percent of our $552 million capital budget is focused on renewing, rebuilding and widening our highway system which last year carried more than 200 million vehicles.”

More:Pennsylvania roads get a D+ report card grade — and that's an improvement

How will this change your commute to work though? Or what could this mean for your wallet the next time you hop on the turnpike? 

The Turnpike Toll Calculator estimates these common tolls from York County to the following exits, effective Jan. 6, 2019.

If you enter the turnpike from West Shore traveling to:

  • Pittsburgh — $27.70 cash; $19.70 E-Z Pass
  • Carlisle — $2.80 cash; $1.90 E-Z Pass
  • Reading — $6.10 cash; $4.20 E-Z Pass
  • Pocono — $23.80 cash; $17 E-Z Pass
  • Harrisburg — $2.30 cash; $1.40 E-Z Pass
  • Gateway — $32.30 cash; $22.90 E-Z Pass
  • Breezewood — $12.40 cash; $8.70 E-Z Pass
  • Downingtown —  $9.30 cash; $6.40 E-Z Pass
  • Valley Forge —  $12.40 cash; $8.70 E-Z Pass

If you enter the turnpike from Lancaster traveling to:

  • Pittsburgh — $30.80 cash; $22 E-Z Pass
  • Carlisle — $6.10 cash; $4.20 E-Z Pass
  • Reading — $3.60 cash; $2.30 E-Z Pass
  • Pocono — $21.40 cash; $15.10 E-Z Pass
  • Harrisburg — $3.60 cash; $2.30 E-Z Pass
  • Gateway — $34.70 cash; $24.70 E-Z Pass
  • Breezewood — $15 cash; $10.60 E-Z Pass
  • Downingtown —  $6.70 cash; $4.60 E-Z Pass
  • Valley Forge — $9.30 cash; $6.40 E-Z Pass