Ohio & Mahoning Valley - Extra time spent waiting in lines as drivers go through Ohio turnpike toll booths could potentially be behind us.

The Ohio Turnpike Infrastructure Commission is "modernizing" the toll collection system and moving to "an open road tolling type system."

This time next year, E-ZPass customers will be able to drive across the state without slowing down or stopping to wait at the gate.

"That means every entry and exit lane with E-ZPass won't have the gates," Chief Engineer of the Ohio Turnpike Infrastructure Commission Chris Matta said, "They'll be able to travel the whole length of the Turnpike without slowing down. They'll be able to go highway speeds."

Matta said this will make traffic flow faster for all drivers.

If you drive on the turnpike even a couple of times a month, he said an E-ZPass saves you time and money.

"As a matter of fact, you could probably save up to over 30% compared to a cash-paying customer," he said. 

For those who do not have an E-ZPass, paying tolls will remain the same.

As updates are made to the turnpike, Matta wants to remind drivers to take caution during construction season on the highway.

"Establish safe following distance, maintain work zone speed limit, pay attention to signs and be prepared to stop or slow down if necessary," he said. 

The modernized tolling system is set to take effect March 20-23 and current E-ZPass customers won't have to make any changes to their accounts. Anyone interested can sign up here.