News Summary
The Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Commission has announced plans to raise toll rates on several bridges to combat rising construction costs. The toll adjustment will increase most passenger vehicle fees by 50 cents, while motorists without EZ-Pass will see their costs soar from $2 to $5. The toll hikes aim to ensure financial sustainability amid escalating infrastructure expenses, including significant increases in the prices of materials like asphalt and concrete. A rigorous public hearing process will accompany the proposed changes, allowing community feedback.
Delaware River Bridge Toll Increases Proposed to Combat Rising Construction Costs
The Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Commission has announced plans for toll increases on its bridges to address escalating construction costs.
Motorists traveling across the Delaware River bridges will soon face higher tolls starting next year as the Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Commission seeks to address rising construction financing costs. The Commission is proposing a toll adjustment that will affect most passenger vehicles, with toll rates increasing by 50 cents to a new rate of $2 per trip. For those who do not use EZ-Pass, the cost for toll-by-plate service will also rise significantly, going from $2 to $5.
The adjustments aren’t limited to standard passenger vehicles. Vehicles that stand taller than eight feet will see their EZ-Pass rates increase by $2 to a total of $6.50 per axle, while non-EZ-Pass users will now pay $8 per axle, marking a $3 increase to the toll-by-plate rates.
Bridges Under Commission’s Operation
The Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Commission operates a total of eight toll bridges across the region. These include:
– Milford-Montague (Route 206)
– Delaware Water Gap (I-80)
– Portland-Columbia (Routes 611, 46, 94)
– Easton-Phillipsburg (Route 22)
– I-78
– New Hope-Lambertville (Route 202)
– Scudder Falls (I-295)
– Trenton-Morrisville (Route 1)
Tolls are primarily collected on the Pennsylvania-bound sides of these bridges. Importantly, the toll increases will not affect the privately owned Dingmans Bridge, which operates under a separate toll system. The Commission is also responsible for maintaining 12 non-revenue-generating “toll-supported” bridges. It’s crucial to note that the Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Commission is solely funded through tolls, receiving no public funding or government subsidies.
Financial Challenges and Projected Shortfalls
The agency is facing mounting financial pressures, as highlighted by Executive Director Joseph J. Resta. Projections for 2026 indicate a possible shortfall in both the general fund reserve balance and the debt service coverage ratio. Rising construction costs have significantly impacted the Commission’s budget, with increases in materials such as hot-mix asphalt (up by 28%), concrete (up 46%), structural steel (up 66%), and fuel (up 44%) over the last five years. The Commission also emphasizes the need for continuous funding for the maintenance of aging infrastructure.
The toll increase process for the Commission is distinct from other toll agencies, as it must undergo a public-hearing process that includes a comment period and virtual hearings. This transparency process aims to address public concerns about the proposed changes.
Comparative Toll Adjustments and Modernization Trends
In January 2024, cash tolls were eliminated from the system, and as of September 1, 2024, the Delaware River Port Authority (DRPA) also implemented toll increases. DRPA raised tolls on key bridges, including the Benjamin Franklin Bridge and the Walt Whitman Bridge, from $5 to $6.50 for passenger vehicles. This DRPA increase, the first in over 13 years, focuses on funding essential safety upgrades and infrastructure improvements.
For commuters, options exist for reduced toll costs, especially for senior citizens and regular users who can apply for discounts, including an $18 monthly credit for frequent crossings using NJ E-ZPass.
Moreover, the Pennsylvania Turnpike has transitioned to Open Road Tolling, eliminating toll booths and introducing electronic gantries for automatic toll processing, enhancing safety and efficiency for drivers. This modern system charges a flat rate of $1.09 per gantry plus an additional 7 cents per mile traveled.
The Road Ahead
As the Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Commission navigates these financial challenges, the proposed toll increases are seen as vital to maintaining and improving bridge infrastructure. With public hearings set to take place, residents and travelers alike will have the opportunity to voice their opinions on the upcoming toll adjustments and the overall direction of toll operations.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
Additional Resources
- NJ Herald: Toll Increases on Delaware River Bridges
- Wikipedia: Toll Bridge
- NBC Philadelphia: Cashless Tolling on NJ-PA Bridges
- Google Search: Toll Bridges NJ PA
- PA Turnpike: Open Road Tolling Explained
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Toll
- Fox29: Cashless Tolling Enforcement
- CBS News: Toll Increases PA NJ Bridges
