Ohio Turnpike observes 5 years of E-ZPass® savings

Since it began operating on the Ohio Turnpike on Oct. 1, 2009, the E-ZPass electronic toll payment system has saved its customers nearly $202 million, compared to customers who paid cash over the same five-year period.

While savings to customers have been paramount to the success of E-ZPass, the need to upgrade an aging toll collection system, including obsolete software, was a major catalyst in implementing the program. Other considerations included reducing customer delays at interchanges and the deployment of E-ZPass by adjacent states.

"E-ZPass customers appreciate saving time at Turnpike interchanges and saving money on tolls," said Interim Executive Director Robin Carlin. "In fact, passenger car customers can save up to 50 percent on a single trip while the average savings is about 33 percent." Read more.

Parma woman wins Ohio Heartland Gift Basket Contest

Ohio Turnpike E-ZPass customer Debbie Jasany from Parma recently stopped by the Ohio Turnpike headquarters in Berea to collect her Ohio Heartland Gift Basket. She was among nearly 100 contestants who submitted a photo of herself at a Service Plaza along with comments about what she likes best about using E-ZPass.

Ohio Turnpike Interim Executive Director Robin Carlin presented Jasany with her gift basket chock full of Ohio-made food and beverage products and souvenirs. Many thanks to HMS Host and the Ohio Heartland Gift Shop for donating the basket, valued at $165. The gift shops are located at the Middle Ridge and Vermilion Valley Service Plazas at milepost 139.5.

Enter Turnpike Trivia Contest and Win a Sunoco Gift Card

In observance of the 5th anniversary of E-ZPass on the Ohio Turnpike, customers are encouraged to watch for a new contest on the Turnpike's Facebook and Twitter feeds during the week of Oct. 27-31.

The Turnpike will award one $25 Sunoco gift card to each of five customers who are the first to correctly answer trivia questions that will appear once per weekday on Facebook and Twitter beginning on Monday, Oct. 27. 

Questions will be posted simultaneously on the Turnpike's Facebook and Twitter accounts at 9:00 a.m. The customer who responds first on either page will be declared the winner. Winners' names will be posted and there will be one winner per day.

Ohio Turnpike employees are not eligible to participate. Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter so you don't miss out on your chance for free gas! Click here for complete contest rules.
 

The Ohio Turnpike and Infrastructure Commission concluded its night-work operations on Sept. 12. Turnpike maintenance crews working from 9:00 p.m. until 7:00 a.m. meant fewer delays for customers during the day.

Typically, maintenance operations, such as full and partial depth pavement repairs, joint sealing, and raised pavement marker replacement require closing two lanes of traffic.

The double-lane closures cause traffic to back up during peak travel periods, especially during the summer. Instead, night work reduced congestion and mobile emissions as  crews were on duty the equivalent of 22 work weeks, with 88 nights of lane closures. This high level of commitment by our maintenance crews to our customers cut the time double-lane closures were needed by half.

In addition to concrete repairs on bridges and asphalt pavement repairs, approximately 215,000 pounds of joint sealant was installed, which was nearly double the amount placed during the same period in 2013. Also, 1,000 more road reflectors were replaced compared to the same period in 2013.

Chris Matta
Maintenance Engineer

“Our crews did an incredible job adjusting to a challenging work schedule and a new work environment. Their commitment to providing a better customer experience on the Turnpike is very much appreciated." 
--Chris Matta, Maintenance Engineer

Over the next month, roadway and maintenance crews will split their time making a final push on road maintenance projects and getting snow removal equipment ready for the snow and ice season, according to Matta.

83% in U.S. support tolls to improve existing highways

More than three-fourths of Americans would endorse tolling on existing highways and interstates, according to the latest America THINKS poll, released last month by HNTB Corporation.

Meanwhile, the International Bridge, Tunnel and Turnpike Association has produced a video that documents recent developments and public discussion on the benefits of tolling to pay for new infrastructure projects and the reconstruction of existing highways.

Ohio Turnpike forms new Minority Business partnerships

The Ohio Turnpike and Infrastructure Commission is forming new partnerships and taking steps to increase its participation by minority and disadvantaged business enterprises. Among them are the Ohio Minority Business Assistance Centers, the Small Business Administration and the U.S. Department of Commerce.

“The Ohio Turnpike is open for business and committed to diversity," said Tommie Jo Marsilio, Director of Contracts and Compliance for the Ohio Turnpike. "In fact, we have awarded $2.038 million in construction projects during the first six months of 2014."
 

Stay informed on changing traffic patterns due to accidents, work zones and construction delays,
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Published by the Ohio Turnpike and Infrastructure Commission,
Robin Carlin, Interim Executive Director
Adam Greenslade, Director of Government Affairs, Marketing and Communications
Questions or suggestions? Contact Brian Newbacher, Editor, brian.newbacher@ohioturnpike.org.

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Ohio Turnpike and Infrastructure Commission
682 Prospect Street
Berea, OH 44017
440-234-2081

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