West Virginia Parkways Authority releases holiday travel numbers on West Virginia Turnpike

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Traffic on the West Virginia Turnpike closely matched predictions during the 14-day period from Friday, December 20, 2024, to Thursday, January 2, 2025, the West Virginia Parkways Authority announced.

Parkways Authority Executive Director Jeff Miller estimated 1,480,000 transactions would take place at Turnpike toll plazas during the two-week travel season. The actual number was 1,481,201.

"We operate these roadside tolling facilities the way we do for a reason during busy times," Miller said. "Our estimate was 1,201 vehicles off of the estimated 1.48 million; that is a deviation of .08 percent, so I think we were very well prepared and know what we are doing."

The heaviest travel days were Thursday, December 26, 2024, with 133,205 transactions, and Friday, December 27, 2024, with 133,192 transactions. The least traveled day was Christmas, Wednesday, December 25, 2024, with 54,515 transactions. That still exceeded the estimate of 52,500.

"The West Virginia Turnpike had another successful holiday run the last two weeks and I am very proud of everything that went into making everyone's holiday travel as smooth as possible," Miller said. "Consider the amount of traffic we had, and with 85 to 90 percent of it from out of state, I think we did a pretty good job making sure it ran smoothly. I appreciate all those that were out there working during Christmas and New Years."

To get an E-ZPass, or to renew an existing E-ZPass, click HERE. 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.

The tolls for passenger vehicles are $4.50 per plaza. E-ZPass unlimited plan is $27.50.​