Almost 2.3 million vehicles will be on the Pennsylvania Turnpike over the course of the four-day holiday period, according to Turnpike CEO Mark Compton.
“Before you head out on your road trip, plan accordingly and be aware that extra cars mean more traffic and perhaps more accidents. Put your phone down. Slow down. Pay careful attention and take regular breaks,” he said in a press release.
Friday afternoon and Monday evenings are expected to be the times when traffic will be at its peak. The traffic breakdown is as follows:
• May 25 — 765,000 vehicles expected to travel.
• May 26 — 540,000 vehicles expected to travel.
• May 27 — 465,000 vehicles expected to travel.
• May 28 — 485,000 vehicles expected to travel.
The turnpike suspended maintenance and construction work and have all available lanes open beginning 3 p.m. Thursday. That will continue through 11 p.m. Monday, May 28. Additional maintenance and safety personnel will patrol during the holiday weekend.
Pennsylvania State Police Troop T, the troop in charge of turnpike patrols, will have extra patrols to assist customers, as well as to look for aggressive, distracted and impaired drivers.
More than 1,300 speeding citations were issued last year during the Memorial Day travel period as well as 57 seatbelt citations and four arrests for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.