Toll Hikes On Delaware River Bridges

Motorists will pay more to cross seven bridges between New Jersey and Pennsylvania under a toll hike approved Monday. The Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Commission said it will use money generated by the toll increase to implement a $526 million, 10-year capital improvement plan for its seven toll bridges and 13 free bridges.

The money will also be used to create a self-insurance fund in case of terrorist attacks on the bridges. Officials said the fund is needed because insurance carriers will no longer provide terrorism coverage.

The increase varies according to the bridge and type of vehicle. The largest toll hike for cars is planned for the Interstate 78 bridge, from 50 cents to $1. The plan also includes an increase from $1 to $1.25 at the Interstate 80 bridge.

Trucks face even steeper charges _ the cost for five-axle tractor-trailers will jump from $4 to $16.25.

Under the plan, the agency will stop selling tokens and will install E-Z Pass. Users of the electronic toll system will receive a 20 percent discount, plus a 40 percent reduced rate for drivers making 20 crossings every 35 days.

The changes take effect with the implementation of E-Z Pass, scheduled for July 2002.

Agency officials have stressed that tolls at its bridges will still be lower than tolls at Delaware crossings run by other agencies.

Toll rates last changed for commuters in 1982 and trucks in 1988. The bridge commission operates 20 bridges over the Delaware River from Trenton-Morrisville north to the New York border.

(Copyright 2001 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

Article continues below

---

advertisement

---

Author: 6 - ABC, Action News