Turnpike Starts Removing Interchanges' E-ZPass Signal Lights

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP/KDKA) - The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission is starting to remove or cover up the red, yellow and green lights that indicate if a driver's E-ZPass has been properly read.

Officials said Friday the decommissioning is starting at the Harrisburg West interchange and will continue though the calendar year.

Federal guidelines now prohibit their use.

"Signal light technology currently in use has become outdated and cumbersome," explains PTC Chief Operating Officer Craig Shuey. "As the Commission prepares to update toll equipment in the lanes with more modern hardware and software, we are incorporating new federal signage standards. While the removal of signals may cause some initial confusion, it will soon become the norm as our customers adjust to the change."

Customers may temporarily see the decommissioned light stations wrapped in yellow plastic at certain Harrisburg-area interchanges and at "E-ZPass Only" interchanges north and east of Philadelphia.

The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission says the change will ultimately simplify signage for customers, as well as reduce stop-and-go traffic through the interchanges.

The red, yellow and green lights at interchanges have been in place since E-ZPass was started in 2001.

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