CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Fewer cars traveled on the West Virginia Turnpike during the recent 11-day period surrounding the Independence Day holiday compared to a similar period in 2021, the West Virginia Parkways Authority announced this week.
Officials announced more than 1.3 million vehicles drove down the 88-mile section of Interstate 77 from June 30 through July 10. The Parkways Authority notes the period is typically the busiest travel period on the West Virginia Turnpike each year.
Jeff Miller, the executive director of the West Virginia Parkways Authority, noted more than 1.45 million vehicles traveled on the West Virginia Turnpike last summer, during which public officials also began reducing coronavirus restrictions. He also cited this year’s higher gas prices as a factor.
“We saw more travel throughout the entire course of that summer and particularly around the Fourth of July,” he said regarding last year.
Officials estimated 1.35 million transactions after reviewing data from a similar period in 2016 — when Independence Day was also on a Monday — and 2021. Miller noted there were around 1.34 million transactions.
“This is typically a pretty normal Fourth of July in comparison to years past,” he said regarding the number of transactions.
The busiest days on the West Virginia Turnpike were July 1 — when 169,071 vehicles passed through the toll booths — and July 2 — when 139,956 cars traveled on the section of the interstate.
Miller said there were no issues at the West Virginia Turnpike’s toll plazas during the 11 days.