Motorists using the West Virginia Turnpike this Thanksgiving holiday will have a new way to pay their tolls. The West Virginia Parkways Authority recently completed a $25 million toll system upgrade that introduces a toll by plate option.
If there’s a significant backup at the toll plaza, drivers can now pass through the E-ZPass lanes and pay their toll within 30 days via the Parkways Authority’s website, wvturnpike.com.
The upgrade, completed just before the busy holiday period, replaces a system that had been in use since 2008. Executive Director Jeff Miller emphasized the role of technology in the upgrade, which allows for real-time monitoring and lane adjustments based on traffic flow.
This new system will help improve traffic efficiency, especially during high-traffic periods.
Starting next year, a credit card lane will be introduced, but E-ZPass remains the preferred and fastest payment method. The Parkways Authority has noted a rise in E-ZPass usage, with a yearly pass available for $26.25, offering unlimited use.
Holiday traffic is expected to be heavy, with an estimated 710,000 transactions between Tuesday and Sunday, with peak traffic likely on Wednesday and Sunday between 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. Miller advised travelers to avoid these peak times to reduce delays.