The Ohio Turnpike runs from the Pennsylvania border near Youngstown, past the Cleveland and Akron areas, Sandusky and Cedar Point, Toledo and then ends at the Indiana border. The Turnpike is a toll road. Drivers pick up a ticket (or use E-ZPass) when they get on at a Turnpike entrance and pay when they exit. There are no toll booths interrupting the flow of traffic on the Turnpike.
Ohio Turnpike Speed Limits
The Turnpike has the Ohio state maximum speed limit of 65 miles per hour. This was recently revised to include trucks, so that all vehicles can travel at the same maximum speed, making for safer travel. The limit is lowered in construction zones, and is diligently enforced by the Ohio State Patrol.
Ohio Turnpike Tolls
The cost to ride the Turnpike from end to end is currently $15. The amount of the toll depends roughly on the distance traveled. The minimum amount for a distance is 50 cents, and all amounts are rounded to the nearest quarter.
If a ticket is lost, the maximum amount is charged. Since no U-turns are allowed on the Turnpike, if a driver tries to exit at the same place he got on, the maximum amount is charged. At smaller exits away from cities, toll booths are automated.
Ohio Turnpike Service Plazas
Since exiting the Turnpike requires the payment of tolls, the Ohio Turnpike Commission provides rest stops, known as Service Plazas that can be reached without leaving the Turnpike.
These stops do not offer overnight facilities, but do contain restaurants, gas stations and rest rooms. Gasoline is competitively priced, and currently provided by Valero. There are different choices of food concessions at the different plazas.
Some of the plazas have been recently renovated, and have many choices, although almost exclusively consisting of fast food restaurants, including Wendy’s, Burger King and Panera. Some older plazas, particularly in far west Ohio, have more limited choices. Starbucks or Gloria Jean’s coffee can help refresh weary travelers.
The plazas also have pay phones, lockers, and gift shops. There is a designated outside pet area, but pets are not allowed in the indoor plazas. All areas have picnic tables, and some are equipped with RV hook-ups.
E-ZPass in Ohio
Ohio has recently joined other states in offering E-ZPass. Drivers purchase a device that allows them to use lanes that allow easy access without the need for ticket. The device sends a signal and the driver’s account is charged for the trip. The amount charged is lower than the standard toll.
When taking a trip across or within northern Ohio, the Ohio Turnpike is a fast and friendly way to travel. The Turnpike also offers easy access to Interstates 71, 75 and 77 for Columbus, Cincinnati and points south.
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