All schools in Upshur County will close at 1 p.m. today. All B-UHS sporting events today are canceled.

More than 1 million transactions expected on West Virginia Turnpike this holiday season

The West Virginia Parkways Authority expects 1,065,000 vehicle transactions on the Turnpike during the 10-day holiday period. Officials urge travelers to avoid peak times between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.
West Virginia Parkways Authority

CHARLESTON — The West Virginia Parkways Authority expects more than 1 million vehicle transactions on the West Virginia Turnpike during the holiday season.

According to a press release from the West Virginia Department of Transportation, the 10-day period between Christmas and New Year’s sees some of the heaviest travel on the Turnpike. Officials estimate 1,065,000 total transactions between Friday, Dec. 19 and Sunday, Dec. 28.

The daily breakdown includes:

  • Friday, Dec. 19: 119,000 transactions
  • Saturday, Dec. 20: 117,000 transactions
  • Sunday, Dec. 21: 98,000 transactions
  • Monday, Dec. 22: 107,000 transactions
  • Tuesday, Dec. 23: 123,000 transactions
  • Wednesday, Dec. 24: 80,000 transactions
  • Thursday, Dec. 25: 53,000 transactions
  • Friday, Dec. 26: 123,000 transactions
  • Saturday, Dec. 27: 122,000 transactions
  • Sunday, Dec. 28: 123,000 transactions

To help avoid congestion, Turnpike officials urge travelers to avoid peak travel times between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.

Turnpike toll operators are fully prepared to manage the anticipated high travel volumes. Extra State Police units will be deployed on the Turnpike to support traffic flow and ensure safety. Flaggers will also be staged at toll plazas to assist with managing congestion.

To speed up time through toll plazas, officials urge travelers to take advantage of the E-ZPass transponder system. An E-ZPass costs $27.50 annually for unlimited use, plus a one-time transponder fee. Tolls for passenger vehicles are $4.50 per plaza, with three main toll plazas along the Turnpike.

To get an E-ZPass or renew an existing one, drivers can visit ezpasswv.com or download the WVPA E-ZPass mobile app. Drivers may also apply in person at the West Virginia Parkways Authority E-ZPass Customer Service Center at 3310 Piedmont Road, Charleston, or at the Beckley Customer Service Center at 12 Pikeview Drive, Beckley.

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