Ohio Turnpike's new toll collection system in place
BEREA – The Ohio Turnpike and Infrastructure Commission implemented its new toll collection system this month, the commission announced.
“The modernization of the toll collection system has been a long, challenging, and complex project,” said Ferzan M. Ahmed, the commission’s executive director.
“But the moment we have anticipated – following meticulous testing of the electronic tolling system over the past several months – has arrived,” he said.
The new toll collection system was five years in the making, with the first contract approved by the commission in 2019, he saud.
“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,” Ahmed said.
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, he said.
“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,” Ahmed said.
“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.”
“In the coming weeks and months, we will continue to monitor the performance of the new system, and close out various projects as they are completed,” he added.
The system went live April 10.
Ahmed thanked all 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,” he said.
For detailed information about key changes to the new toll collection system, visit ohioturnpike.org/openroadtolling2024.