All PA Turnpike Rest Stops Now OPEN
by Alex Lloyd Gross
In a knee jerk reaction to stem the spread of Coronavirus, PA. Governor Tom Wolf ordered all rest stops on the PA Turnpike closed. That decision did not sit will with truckers who need to use the facilities, or grab a quick bite to eat. Some have refused to deliver goods in Pennsylvania until the order was reversed.
Effective 7:00 AM March 20, 2020 all rest stops will be open and a limited supply of food will be served. The service plazas will be offering limited food options for take-out only from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m. Friday. After Friday, food will be served from 7 a.m. until 6 p.m. except at North Midway and Valley Forge locations which will offer food 24/7.
Fuel will be sold.
Remember, there will be no tolling personnel during the COVID-19 pandemic. All tolls will be assessed electronically via E-ZPass or the PA Turnpike’s TOLL BY PLATE program as vehicles travel at posted speed limits through tolling points. Cash tolls will still be in place on the Mon-Fayette Expressway (PA Turnpike 43) via the current Automated Payment Machines.
All those with special hauling permits for overweight/over-dimensional vehicles (Class 9) will still be able to travel the PA Turnpike. However, they must follow modified procedures during the temporary all-electronic tolling period. All customers in this category must print and carry a hard copy of the approved permit. Tolling personnel at designated interchanges will be available to assist with the appropriate lane assignments. All haulers must apply for a permit within two weeks of the anticipated travel day.