Ohio Turnpike and Infrastructure Commission’s new toll collection system, which started as a vision and a study in 2016, went live today (Wednesday April 10, 2024)
To accommodate all travelers on the 241-mile Ohio Turnpike – designated as Interstate 80, I-90, and I-76 – the new toll collection system features a combination of open road tolling lanes for E-ZPass customers and a gated exit system for non-E-ZPass customers who prefer to pay by cash or credit card.
“The modernization of the toll collection system has been a long, challenging, and complex project,” says Ferzan M Ahmed, PE, executive director of the Turnpike Commission. “But the moment we have anticipated – following meticulous testing of the electronic tolling system over the past several months – has arrived.”
“The Ohio Turnpike’s new toll collection system was five years in the making,” Ahmed added. “The commission approved the first contract in 2019.”
The modernization of the toll collection system is the largest construction project in Ohio Turnpike history since its completion in October 1955.
E-ZPass entry and exit booths removed
Motorists entering the Ohio Turnpike with E-ZPass have been experiencing features of the new toll collection system since early 2023.
The first phase, which permanently opened the entry gates in all E-ZPass toll booth lanes, was successfully deployed at 20 interchanges from Toll Plaza 52 (Toledo Airport-Swanton) in Lucas County to Toll Plaza 209 (Warren) in Trumbull County. The exit gates in all dedicated E-ZPass lanes were opened.
More significantly, 127 lanes at these interchanges were upgraded with new electronic tolling components, including sensors and other equipment to read E-ZPass transponders, and to classify vehicles by the number of axles and vehicle height.
Automated toll payment machines, which accept cash and credit cards, were installed at all 20 toll plaza interchanges as well as the four mainline toll plazas.
“The launch of the new toll collection system, which includes open road tolling, the removal of all gates in E-ZPass entrance and exit lanes, and enhancements to our customer service center, and more are significant milestones,” says Ahmed “The nearly $250 million cost to modernize the toll collection system, which was funded exclusively by toll revenue, has been completed within the planned budget.
“The new toll collection system – featuring open road tolling – will continue to stimulate economic activity and growth across our 241-mile Ohio Turnpike, which is designated as Interstate 80, I-90 and I-76. The local, regional, and national economic benefits of our top-performing facility will be immense for our commuters, travelers as well as the commercial freight industry.”
Video enforcement
Video cameras to read license plates will identify customers who travel through an E-ZPass-only lane when a valid E-ZPass transponder is not detected.
E-ZPass customers who have listed their license plate(s) on a valid E-ZPass account will have their toll charged to their E-ZPass account at the new V-Toll rate, which is higher than the E-ZPass rate.
All other customers will receive a mailed invoice for the new Unpaid Toll rate. Customers without an E-ZPass who mistakenly travel through an E-ZPass lane can pay their toll online. Customers will have 25 days to pay their toll once it is invoiced. If payment is not received within 30 days, a second invoice will be mailed with an additional $5 charge per unpaid toll. Customers who have not paid their toll after 90 days will be sent to collections and their vehicle registrations at the Ohio BMV will be blocked. Customers will not be permitted to register any vehicles or renew their license plates with the Ohio BMV until their past due tolls are paid.
“I would like to acknowledge our Commission members for their guidance, leadership, patience, and support every step of the way. Thank you for your oversight, and for ensuring that the approved funds to build the new system were spent responsibly,” says Ahmed. “I would also like to commend everyone who has been involved in the more than 20 projects to modernize the toll collection system since the beginning. The work performed by our staff, designers, consultants, and contractors will leave a lasting legacy.
Images: Ohio Turnpike, AdobeStock
