Yeah it's weird but here's why:
The PA Turnpike Commission is actually separate from PennDOT in terms of funding and management. ALL of the money from tolls goes ONLY to maintaining the Turnpike. They are actually profitable in the sense that they take in more money than they need for regular maintenance and repairs.
So they spend money in areas that the road is fine by coming up with creative projects - widen the shoulder, improve drainage, build pulloffs, build blinds for the State Police to hide in, etc, etc, etc. That is why they are doing construction on smooth roads. This is also why the turnpike is almost always in great shape during snow storms.
Meanwhile, roads like 22, 78, 81, 83, 222, 61, 30, etc. are in horrible condition and take years to get funding. I've always thought that 78/81/83 should become toll roads. Do you realize how much WE pay in taxes to maintain those roads that are by and large destroyed by PASSING THRU/OUT OF STATE truck traffic?
The HOV lane is a great idea!!! That's why it will never happen!!