CHARLESTON, WV – Officials for the West Virginia Turnpike expect 740,000 vehicle transactions on the Turnpike over the Thanksgiving holiday season that runs from Tuesday, November 25 through Sunday, November 30.
Thanksgiving week is historically one of the busiest travel times on the Turnpike. In 2024, there were 754,405 total transactions on the Turnpike, which exceeded estimates of 715,000.
Wednesday before Thanksgiving and Sunday after the holiday are typically the two days that see the most traffic on the Turnpike. Turnpike officials expect 160,000 transactions each day this travel season.
To help avoid congestion and reduce headaches on the Turnpike this Thanksgiving, Turnpike officials urge travelers to avoid peak travel times between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m., when there are more cars on the road.
Turnpike toll operators are fully prepared to manage anticipated high travel volumes. Additionally, extra State Police units will be deployed on the Turnpike to support traffic flow and ensure safety. Flaggers will also be staged at the toll plazas to assist with managing congestion.
To speed up your time through the toll plazas, Turnpike officials urge travelers to take advantage of the E-ZPass transponder system.
The tolls for passenger vehicles on the Turnpike are $4.50 per plaza. There are three main toll plazas along the Turnpike. An E-ZPass costs $27.50 annually for unlimited use, plus a one-time transponder fee.
To get an E-ZPass or to renew an existing E-ZPass, visit the WVPA E-ZPass website 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, 3310 Piedmont Road, Charleston, West Virginia 25306, or at the Beckley Customer Service Center located at 12 Pikeview Drive, Beckley, West Virginia 25801.
