West Virginia Turnpike Holiday Surge, Drivers Urged to Expect Delays Today

On December 22 the West Virginia Parkways Authority estimated that 1,065,000 vehicle transactions would occur on the West Virginia Turnpike during the holiday travel season that began Friday, December 19, 2025. The authority identified the 10 day period between Christmas and New Year as a time of especially heavy travel, and provided daily transaction estimates for the peak week that include 123,000 on Tuesday December 23, 80,000 on Wednesday December 24, 53,000 on Thursday December 25, 123,000 on Friday December 26, 122,000 on Saturday December 27, and 123,000 on Sunday December 28.

For McDowell County residents who travel to family gatherings, work, or regional services, the projected surge has direct local consequences. Increased volumes on the Turnpike can lengthen travel times for holiday trips, slow commercial deliveries that serve local businesses, and affect ambulance and emergency response coordination when roadways are congested. Travelers passing through toll plazas should plan for added time at rest areas and inspection points during the peak travel window.

Turnpike officials encouraged drivers to avoid peak travel times between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. Toll operators were prepared to manage the surge, and additional State Police units were scheduled to be deployed on the Turnpike to support traffic flow and safety. Flaggers were to be staged at toll plazas to assist with congestion management.

Motorists can save time by using the E ZPass transponder system to speed passage through toll plazas. Tolls for passenger vehicles are $4.50 per plaza. There are three main toll plazas along the Turnpike. An E ZPass account costs $27.50 annually for unlimited use, plus a one time transponder fee. The Parkways Authority also advised travelers to check weather and road conditions before departing, allow extra time for inspections and rest stops, and move over for emergency responders.

Residents seeking additional details were directed to the West Virginia Parkways Authority website and the WVPA E ZPass app for account information and real time updates. Local drivers planning trips over the next few days are advised to factor the Turnpike surge into their schedules and travel plans.