Traffic volumes on the West Virginia Turnpike closely matched official predictions during the 14-day holiday travel period spanning from Friday, December 20, 2024, to Thursday, January 2, 2025, according to the West Virginia Parkways Authority.
Parkways Authority Executive Director Jeff Miller originally estimated that 1,480,000 transactions would occur at Turnpike toll plazas during the busy two-week season. Ultimately, the finalized transaction count 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 just 0.08 percent. I think we were very well prepared and know exactly what we are doing.”
Peak Travel Days and Traffic Breakdown
As expected, the days immediately following the Christmas holiday saw the heaviest concentrations of vehicular travel. Conversely, Christmas Day itself recorded the lowest volume, though it still slightly exceeded baseline estimates.
| Travel Day | Date | Total Toll Transactions |
|---|---|---|
| Heaviest Travel Day | Thursday, December 26, 2024 | 133,205 |
| Second Heaviest Travel Day | Friday, December 27, 2024 | 133,192 |
| Least Traveled Day | Wednesday, December 25, 2024 (Christmas) | 54,515 (Estimated: 52,500) |
“The West Virginia Turnpike had another successful holiday run... 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,” Miller noted. “I appreciate all those that were out there working during Christmas and New Year's.”
E-ZPass Application and Toll Rate Information
Drivers can streamline their Turnpike travel by utilizing the E-ZPass system. The standard cash toll rate for passenger vehicles currently stands at $4.50 per plaza, whereas the unlimited E-ZPass annual plan is available for $27.50.
Drivers may register for a new E-ZPass or renew an existing account online.
For in-person assistance, motorists may visit one of the following West Virginia Parkways Authority E-ZPass Customer Service Centers:
- Charleston Location: 3310 Piedmont Road, Charleston, WV 25306
- Beckley Location: 12 Pikeview Drive, Beckley, WV 25801
