Red Amish barns and city skyscrapers alike appear along the interstate's main section. Running between Ohio and New Jersey, this 359-mile span connects the major urban areas of Harrisburg, Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. The turnpike's Northeast Extension reaches Wilkes-Barre and Scranton. Exits to local attractions such Hershey Park and Valley Forge allow for interesting stops on the way through the state.
Turnpike tolls can be paid by cash or with convenient EZ Passes which can be purchased at retail outlets or online. If roadside assistance is needed, yellow emergency call boxes can be found at one-mile intervals and State Farm safety patrol vehicles are on call. There are 17 plazas, open 24 hours a day, offering food and fuel -- some also have picnic areas and gift shops. Farmer's markets display food from local growers at several locations from early spring to late fall.
The Turnpike Roadway Information Program (TRIP) gathers current data from the traffic operations center and reports from roadway crews and police. Up-to-date conditions are made available through an Interactive travel web map and electronic message boards located at each service plaza. Travelers can also sign up to receive alerts by telephone, e-mail and text message.
