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The term shunpiking comes from the word "shun", meaning to avoid, and "pike," a term referring to turnpikes, which were roads which required payment of a toll to travel on them. Payment was made at a toll station where a pike, a long wooden shaft, was placed across the road barring passage. After payment, the pike would be turned, or raised, to allow vehicles to pass. Persons engaged in shunpiking are called shunpikers.
Shunpiking has also come to mean an avoidance of major highways (regardless of tolls) in preference for bucolic and scenic interludes along lightly travelled country roads.
For some, practice of shunpiking involved a form of boycott of tolls, (rather than just avoidance of them for financial reasons) by taking another route, perhaps slower, longer, or under poorer road conditions.
Shunpiking as a historical boycott in Virginia
One such example of shunpiking as a form of boycott occurred at the James River Bridge in eastern Virginia. After years of lower than anticipated revenues on the narrow privately funded structure built in 1928, the Commonwealth of Virginia finally purchased the facility in 1949. However, rather than announcing a long-expected decrease in tolls, the state officials increased the rates in 1955 without visibly improving the roadway, with the notable exception of building a new toll plaza.
The increased toll rates incensed the public and business users alike. In a well-publicized example of shunpiking, Joseph W. Luter Jr., head of Smithfield Packing Company, the producer of world-famous Smithfield Hams, ordered his truck drivers to take different routes and cross smaller and cheaper bridges. Despite the boycott by Luter and others, tolls continued for 20 more years. They were finally removed from the old bridge in 1975 when construction began on a toll-free replacement structure. Perhaps ironically, the newer toll plaza at the southern end out survived the original bridge by more than 30 years as an administration building before it too was demolished early in the 21st century. At that time, in what might be construed as a final irony, preservationists petitioned against the demolition of the toll structure.
Shunpiking the Pennsylvania Turnpike
Shunpiking the Interstate 70 portion of the Pennsylvania Turnpike via Interstate 68 and Interstate 79 is actually shorter than using the Turnpike. From Hancock, Maryland to Washington, Pennsylvania using the Turnpike the route is 155 miles (250 km) and includes a bottleneck in Breezewood, Pennsylvania, while the alternate route from Hancock, Maryland to Washington, Pennsylvania via Morgantown, West Virginia is 151.8 miles (244 km). The speed limit is also higher on the shunpiking route as West Virginia has a speed limit of 70 mph (110 km/h), and the road is toll-free.
Shunpiking the Delaware Turnpike/John F. Kennedy Memorial Highway and Delaware Route 1
 | It has been suggested that this article be merged into Delaware Turnpike. (Discuss) Proposed since September 2006. |
| It has been suggested that this article be merged into JFK Memorial Highway. (Discuss) Proposed since September 2006. |
| It has been suggested that this article be merged into State Route 1 (Delaware). (Discuss) Proposed since September 2006. |
Shunpiking the Delaware Turnpike/John F. Kennedy Memorial Highway and Delaware Route 1, both interconnecting toll roads, occurs in Delaware due to two major paralleling U.S. Highway routes: U.S. Highway 40 paralleling the Delaware Turnpike, and U.S. Highway 13 paralleling Delaware Route 1. This practice occurs on the latter, mainly by older drivers, as U.S. 13 was the only major north-south route before Delaware Route 1, and because of the $3 tolls (cheaper compared with most Northeastern toll roads), despite the toll-free crossing on the Chesapeake & Delaware Canal Bridge. The former's higher toll ($2.50) on the Delaware Turnpike as well as the lower one-way toll on U.S. 40's Susquehanna River crossing near Perryville, Maryland serves as an attractive alternate route for trucks, although both Delaware and Maryland state officials have been trying to reverse shunpike the long-distance travellers by increasing the number of traffic lights on U.S. 40 between Baltimore, Maryland and New Castle, Delaware, along with lowering speed limits from 55 mph (90 km/h) to 45 mph (70 km/h) or lower, while I-95 has a 65 mph (100 km/h) speed limit between White Marsh, Maryland and the Mason-Dixon Line, and 55 mph (90 km/h) between the Mason-Dixon line and the junction with Interstate 295. Yet another way to shunpike the John F. Kennedy Memorial Highway in Maryland and its $5.00 toll is to exit at MD 155 and go 3 miles west to MD 161. Continue up MD 161 for 5 miles to U.S. 1 in Darlington, MD, and cross the toll-free Conowingo Dam. Then go down MD 222, for 4 more miles, through historic Port Deposit, MD, turn onto MD 275, and reenter Interstate 95 at Exit 93. This is more of a local bypass but still proves effective for any traveller, although it takes about 16 miles and, at best, 25-30 minutes longer than the direct I-95 route. Travelers going to Philadelphia from Baltimore can take the U.S. 1 route over the Conowingo Dam and continue North to Media and connect to the Greater Philadelphia area avoiding all tolls and rush hour traffic around Wilmington. Traveling from Chester County it is quite easy taking U.S. 1 to MD 276 and 275 and joining I-95 in Perryville.
With the recent increase on October 1, 2005, of the Delaware Turnpike toll to $3 each way (and removal of the E-ZPass discount), increasing numbers of drivers are now shunpiking the Delaware Turnpike toll plaza in favor of side roads. Southbound, drivers can exit at I-95 at exit 1 (Delaware Route 896) and turn left on Delaware Rte 2, following it around until it becomes Maryland Rte 279 and intersects with I-95 South again across the Maryland state line. Northbound, drivers can exit I-95 at Exit 109B (MD 279), make a right on Delaware Rte 2, and then another right on Delaware Rte 896 to avoid the toll in that direction. But there are now talks by the Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) to reinstate ramp toll similar to those found on the Delaware Route 1 turnpike at U.S. 13 in Smyrna and Delaware Rt. 896 in Mt. Pleasant as a way to "slow" the shunpiking down, and to provide needed money for a major upgrade project involving the rebuilding of the I-95/Delaware Rt. 1 interchange and the widening of I-95 itself between Delaware Rt. 1 and I-295.
Shunpiking the New Jersey Turnpike, Garden State Parkway, and Atlantic City Expressway
| It has been suggested that this article be merged into New Jersey Turnpike. (Discuss) Proposed since September 2006. |
| It has been suggested that this article be merged into Garden State Parkway. (Discuss) Proposed since September 2006. |
| It has been suggested that this article be merged into Atlantic City Expressway. (Discuss) Proposed since September 2006. |
Shunpiking the three major toll routes in New Jersey is due to a number of different issues. On the New Jersey Turnpike, shunpiking occurs between Exit-1 (Delaware Memorial Bridge) and Exit 7A (Trenton-Shore Points) with the parallel location of Interstate 295, which breaks off just east of the Delaware Memorial Bridge. Although all New Jersey Turnpike signage has "TO 95" between Exit 1 and Exit 6 (PA Turnpike-Florence), shunpiking has been popular because of the savings of over $3.00 in tolls by using I-295. Shunpiking can also be achieved by taking Interstate 95 through Philadelphia. Until the construction of the new Exit 1 toll plaza, with both cash and high-speed E-Z Pass-only toll lanes, shunpiking was used by the New Jersey State Police during the summer months to alleviate heavy volume conditions at the old Exit 1 plaza.
From New Brunswick north to Newark, the Turnpike is closely paralleled by U.S. Route 1 (and U.S. Route 9 north of Woodbridge Township), a multi-lane highway with traffic lights. However, north of Newark Airport, the Concurrent U.S. Route 1/9 is a limited-access highway with no traffic lights for automobiles to the Holland Tunnel, with few north from there to the Lincoln Tunnel and the George Washington Bridge.
A similar condition occurs on both the Garden State Parkway and the Atlantic City Expressway, the former due to U.S. Highway 9 and Interstate 287 and the latter with U.S. Route 40, U.S. Route 322, and U.S. Route 30. The GSP shunpiking with U.S. 9 occurs between Cape May and Woodbridge Township with I-287 "picking up" between Woodbridge and the New York state line, while the Atlantic City Expressway shunpiking occurs between Pennsylvania (U.S. 30 and U.S. 322) and Delaware (U.S. 40) and Atlantic City.
Shunpiking the New York State Thruway
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There is a very obvious way to shunpike from interchange B1 to interchange 24 on the New York State Thruway. Very simply, follow Interstate 90. For instance, if travelling from 25A (I-88) to B3 (Mass Pike), you will end up paying $0.70 as opposed to $2.00. There are other, far less obvious ways of shunpiking this long road, such as taking the Saw Mill River Parkway to avoid the Yonkers toll. You can even save $17 by bypassing most of the road using Interstate 86 (east) to get from Interstate 87 to Interstate 90.
In the western portion of the state it is possible to follow Genesee Road most of the way from Buffalo to Syracuse, instead of taking the Thruway, in order to avoid the tolls.
Once in Syracuse, Interstate 690 (New York) parallels the Thruway, though passing through downtown Syracuse. At the eastern terminus, it's easy to use Interstate 481 (New York) south to get to New York State Route 5, which continues east to Utica. From there, one can continue on Route 5 all the way to Albany. Alternately, Route 5S also runs parallel to the Thruway from Utica to Interstate 890 (New York) in Schenectady. Route 5S is recommended, as it is an expressway for the first portion from Utica to Herkimer, and because it runs into fewer small towns (fewer speed limit reductions) along the way than Route 5. It also forms a seamless transition into Interstate 890 (New York) which avoids urban traffic near Albany, and brings you back to the Thruway mainline shortly before Albany.
Shunpiking the Massachusetts Turnpike
There are three main alternatives to the Massachusetts Turnpike/I-90:
- US-20 parallels the Mass Pike for most of its length.
- Route 9 is also a feasible alternative, although it is largely a two-lane road until reaching Worcester. Route 9 begins at US-20 in Pittsfield.
- Route 2 is an alternative route in the northern portion of the state, which is mostly a freeway or two-lane, controlled access expressway east of I-91, after it crosses the Connecticut River on the French King Bridge. Route 2 west of Interstate 91 is a scenic two lane road, with many hills and sharp turns, and is a favorite route for leaf peepers during the fall.
Shunpiking the Massachusetts Turnpike becomes difficult and potentially less desirable once inside the Route 128 beltway around Boston, as routes 9 and 20 become more congested. Route 2's freeway portion also ends at Alewife Station in Cambridge.
I-93 can be used to access the Callahan Tunnel on Route 1A as an alternative to the Ted Williams Tunnel to get to Logan Airport. However, the Sumner Tunnel in the opposite direction collects a toll, and the Callahan Tunnel can only be accessed from southbound I-93, since the completion of the Big Dig.
Shunpiking toll roads in New Hampshire
Shunpiking the Everett Turnpike
The Everett Turnpike is toll-free through Exit 8 in Nashua.
- One option for shunpiking this section of the Everett Turnpike is to use Exit 7 and follow US-3 north through Merrimack and Bedford to avoid the Bedford toll plaza. Then, use eastbound Route 101 back to the Everett Turnpike.
- Alternatively, Route 3A can be picked up via the Circumferential Highway at Exit 2 (Exit 1A if entering from Spit Brook Road). Route 3A intersects with I-293 in Manchester. Return to the Everett Turnpike via northbound I-293.
- A third option is to use Interstate 93 to Manchester.
The portion of roadway that the Everett Turnpike shares with I-293 is toll-free.
To shunpike the section of the Everett Turnpike shared with I-93, follow US-3 or Route 3A. The State Liquor Store on northbound I-93 can also be accessed via Route 3A.
Shunpiking the New Hampshire Turnpike
To shunpike the New Hampshire Turnpike/I-95, use US-1 or the coastal Route 1A.
Shunpiking the Spaulding Turnpike
The Spaulding Turnpike/Route 16 is toll-free through Exit 6.
Use Exit 6W and proceed westbound on US-4 through Durham and past the campus of UNH. Turn right onto Route 125 northbound. Follow Route 125 to Rochester, rejoining the Spaulding Turnpike at Exit 12. The section of the Spaulding Turnpike between Exits 12 and 18 is toll-free as well.
Shunpiking the Maine Turnpike
The Maine Turnpike/I-95 can be shunpiked by using US-1 to I-295. Before I-295 rejoins the Maine Turnpike, use Exit 49 to northbound US-201, and follow through the Augusta area. Follow to US-202 westbound, rejoining I-95 at Exit 109.
Shunpiking the Indiana Toll Road
Eastbound: Enter Indiana on I-80-94, the Borman Expressway. At the interchange with the Toll Road, stay on I-94; the control city is "Detroit." Exit I-94 at Exit 40, which is US-20 eastbound, marked "La Porte." Follow US-20 to the intersection with State Route 2. Go straight onto Route 2. Follow State Route 2 almost to South Bend, to the interchange with US-20-31. Follow US-20 east. Continue on US-20 past Mishawaka and Elkhart. (At this point, it is possible to get to the Toll Road via CR 17.) Continue on US 20 through La Grange and Angola into Ohio.
Westbound: Enter Indiana on US-20. Follow US-20 through Angola and La Grange, to Elkhart. (At this point, traffic from the Toll Road can begin shunpiking by exiting the Toll Road at Exit 96, marked "to US-20." and following CR 17.) Continue on US-20, the St. Joseph Valley Parkway, past Mishawaka and South Bend. Exit at State Route 2 west. Follow State Route 2 to the intersection with US-20. Go straight onto US-20. Follow US-20 almost to Michigan City, to the interchange with I-94. Enter I-94 west, and follow it into Illinois.
The western half of this route is much better than the eastern. I-94 and US-20 around South Bend and Elkhart are freeway. State Route 2 is four lanes, with only a few traffic signals. East of Elkhart, however, US-20 is two lanes, with several traffic signals, much truck traffic, and possible congestion in Angola.
Even more suitable for some is the lightly-traveled Indiana State Highway 120 east of Elkhart to the Indiana-Michigan state line (by a fluke of boundaries the Michigan-Indiana state line is a few miles more northerly than the Michigan-Ohio state line). This highway has no large towns, is well-engineered, and can be driven at or near the maximum speed limit except at intersections and through the few small towns (Fremont, Indiana is the largest). Indiana 120 becomes an unnumbered, but well-marked Hillsdale County, Michigan county road as it goes due east into Michigan, where it is known as Territorial Road. This is a reasonably-good road, and well-marked despite the lack of a number. Just inside Michigan one can turn south onto M-49, which shortly becomes Ohio State Highway 49, crosses the Ohio Turnpike, and meets US 20. Westward one takes Ohio State Highway 49 from US 20 past the Michigan State Line, where it becomes Michigan State Highway 49 and turns west on Territorial Road, which is marked as "TO Indiana 120 Fremont", goes west across the Michigan-Indiana state line and becomes Indiana 120.
Shunpiking the Ohio Turnpike (& Indiana Toll Road -Alternative 2-)
If your travels don't take you somewhere off the Ohio Turnpike, the best way to avoid it is at the I-80/I-76 switch. When coming from Pennsylvania stay on I-80, but instead of following the number, stay on the same highway going west. It becomes I-76 to Akron, OH and then ends at I-71. Take I-71 south to U.S. Route 30 and then follow that west. The highway is four lane limited access or expressway for the rest of its trip through Ohio, except for the section which is under construction from OH Route 235 to Upper Sandusky (completion in 2007). Once U.S. Route 30 enters Indiana it is mostly a four lane arterial with very limited traffic lights. This will also help you shunpike the Indiana Toll Road. To avoid the outer suburbs of Chicago along U.S. Route 30 (with its numerous traffic lights) reconnect with I-80 or I-90 using IN Route 49.
Shunpiking the Ohio Turnpike (& Indiana Toll Road -Alternative 3-)
Even longer shunpiking, for those who have destinations east of Pittsburgh and west of Illinois is possible by using Interstate 74 from the Quad Cities area to and from Indianapolis and Interstate 70 to and from Indianapolis through Ohio and western Pennsylvania. This shunpiking puts one through Indianapolis and Columbus, but avoids the extreme Chicagoland congestion altogether.
Shunpiking the Kansas Turnpike
| It has been suggested that this article be merged into Kansas Turnpike. (Discuss) Proposed since September 2006. |
The state of Kansas has feasible alternatives to compete with the Kansas Turnpike along the route.
Kansas City, Kansas and Lawrence, Kansas via K-10: There is a free "freeway" that links Kansas City to Lawrence. Very simply, follow Interstate 435 South to the Kansas State Highway 10 (K-10) freeway West to Lawrence, Kansas.
Kansas City, Missouri and Emporia, Kansas via Interstate 35: The "free" Interstate 35 departs from the Kansas Turnpike at Exit 127 and heads directly to Kansas City, Missouri, while the turnpike heads for Topeka, Kansas, then east to Kansas City on Interstate 70. These two routes meet at the downtown freeway loop in downtown Kansas City, Missouri. For this reason, the section between Emporia, Kansas and Topeka, Kansas is the least traveled section of the Kansas Turnpike.
Kansas City, Missouri and Wichita, Kansas via Interstate 35, United States Highway 50, and Interstate 135: If you don't mind a little bit of a drive (67 miles) along the 2-lane US 50 between Emporia, Kansas and Newton, Kansas, you can take I-35 between Kansas City and Emporia, US 50 between Emporia and Newton, and I-135 between Newton and Wichita.
Shunpiking in the UK
2003 saw the completion of the M6 Toll, the first tolled ordinary Motorway in the country. The road was originally planned to be free to use as the 'BNRR' (Birmingham Northern Relief Road), but was built with tolls in order to reduce the cost to the government of building the road. Road and fuel related taxation has been historically high in the UK, and as such many motorists resent the imposition of tolls on new roads. The government has also announced an intention that future Motorways may be funded by tolling. As such, a large number of drivers boycott the M6 toll, preferring instead to use the congested M6 through Birmingham, which the toll road was intended to relieve. Also, most of the road haulage and logistics operators in the Midlands do not allow their trucks to use the road.
Scotland has also seen a campaign against bridge tolls, especially on the Skye Bridge, built under a controvertial PFI contract. Tolls ceased on 21 December 2004 when the Scottish Executive bought the bridge. The Executive also abolished tolls on the Erskine Bridge from 31 March 2006.
Shunpiking in New Zealand
The term "shunpiking" is not used in New Zealand, and toll roads are very rare there. For many years the only toll road in the country was the bridge carrying State Highway 2 across Tauranga Harbour from the town of Mount Maunganui to Tauranga. Despite being a considerably longer route, many motorists took a more circuitous route around the harbour while the toll was in place.
A similar toll was in place on the Auckland Harbour Bridge for some years after its opening, but the distance saved by this route made the cost of avoiding using the bridge prohibitive for most motorists.
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