The first phase to replace toll booths along the Massachusetts Turnpike with electronic tolling is proceeding on schedule, with work on most of the locations already finished.
The Massachusetts Department of Transportation announced Wednesday that 20 of the 23 toll booths along Interstate 90 have already been demolished. The work zones that are finished will proceed to phase two of building the new toll plazas.
“We appreciate the planning and labor that has gone into transitioning to All Electronic Tolling along I-90 while minimizing the impact on commuters,” said Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker. “Thanks to the hard work of our construction crews, contractors, engineers and law enforcement personnel, and the cooperation of the traveling public, this comprehensive process has transitioned on or ahead of schedule safely and smoothly."
The project will replace all toll plazas along the 132-plus miles of highway with all-electronic tolling by the end of 2017.
Drivers will have six months to purchase an E-ZPass transponder. In the meantime, they will be billed via mail for the full toll, but will receive credit on their E-ZPass when they get a transponder.
Find out how to get an E-ZPass.
MassDOT has an online toll calculator that breaks down the current and future price between entry and exit points on the Massachusetts Pike.
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MassDOT Highway Administrator Thomas J. Tinlin said favorable weather conditions have allowed crews to work around the clock to demolish the toll plazas and reconstruct the roadway.
Traffic has been better than expected for commuters, but officials continue to encourage drivers to plan for possible delays. Phase two will likely be a similar experience to phase one for commuters.
