Starting on September 1, commuters in the Philadelphia area will face higher tolls when crossing the bridges over the Delaware River. The Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Commission has announced that tolls for cars and motorcycles will increase by 25 cents, while truck tolls will go up by 50 cents. This toll hike is part of the commission’s efforts to generate revenue for bridge maintenance and improvement projects.
The toll increase will affect the following bridges: the Easton-Phillipsburg (Route 22), Portland-Columbia (Route 611), Delaware Water Gap (Interstate 80), and Trenton-Morrisville (Route 1). The toll rates for E-ZPass users will also see a slight increase, with cars and motorcycles going up by 6 cents and trucks by 10 cents. Cash tolls will remain the same.
The commission has cited the need for additional funding to address the aging infrastructure of the bridges and to support ongoing construction projects. They have assured commuters that the toll increases will help ensure the safety and continued operation of these vital transportation links. The last toll increase for the commission was in 2011, and they have acknowledged that the current rates are no longer sufficient to cover maintenance and improvement costs.
The toll hike has sparked some backlash from commuters and local officials who argue that it will increase the financial burden on residents who rely on these bridges for daily travel. However, the commission has emphasized that toll revenue is essential for maintaining safe and reliable bridge crossings. They have encouraged commuters to consider using E-ZPass as a cost-effective way to reduce toll expenses.
Overall, the toll hike for bridges over the Delaware River will take effect on September 1, impacting both commuters and businesses in the Philadelphia area. The commission hopes that these increases will help ensure the continued operation and safety of these crucial transportation links.
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