Plans are in the works to make changes that will let drivers travel the entire length of the Ohio Turnpike at 70 miles an hour without slowing down for toll gates.

Turnpike Executive Director Ferzan Ahmed has announced that removing toll gates is a significant part of a plan to modernize the tollway.

A media release from the commission said the turnpike’s current system of toll collection, implemented in 2009, is approaching the end of its useful life.

Because of that and because 89% of turnpike users support a plan to remove toll gates, plans are being made to modernize the toll collection system.

The commission said the changes would mean non-stop travel at highway speeds of 70 mph for E-ZPass customers who enter the roadway at either border for the full length of the Ohio Turnpike.

Currently, E-ZPass customers must slow down to 10 to 15 miles per hour when they approach toll gates.

The Turnpike Commissioner clarified that drivers who pay cash will still be required to slow down for a toll gate upon exit. 

Construction is expected to begin this winter and take two years to complete.

If all goes as planned, the new system will be in operation by late 2021 or early 2022.