With Open Road Tolling gantries live east of Reading and on the Northeast Extension, the PA Turnpike is beginning its work to reconfigure interchanges, the driving force behind ORT’s safety benefits.

As a result, the Pennsylvania Turnpike is advising motorists on the Northeast Extension (I-476) in Carbon County that the northbound exit and entry ramp to the PA Route 903 Interchange (Exit 87) from PA Route 903 will be closed from 7 p.m. Sunday until 11 a.m. Friday, May 9, for overhead toll gantry removal and scale pit demolition on the ramps.

During the ramp closures, motorists will be directed to follow the posted detour route.

The switch to ORT east of Reading and on the Northeast Extension occurred in January. ORT will launch on the PA Turnpike’s western section in 2027. In an ORT system, tolls are charged electronically as customers drive at highway speeds without slowing down or stopping beneath overhead structures — called gantries — located between interchanges. Equipment on the gantry and in the roadway processes E-ZPass or Toll By Plate transactions. ORT reduces confusion and lane switching associated with traditional, stop-and-go tolling. Tollbooth removal eliminates obstacles, increases sight lines and reduces stress and distractions for customers entering and exiting the system.

In the coming months, traditional toll plazas will start to be removed, and each interchange reconfigured to provide an unobstructed traffic flow. While each demolition will be unique to its physical location, timing and traffic, the entire process will prioritize customer safety.