Delaware River Bridges Set for Toll Increases

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.

Proposed Toll Increases on Delaware River Bridges to Offset Rising Construction Costs

The Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Commission (DRJTBC) has proposed a significant adjustment to toll rates as a response to escalating construction financing costs. The adjustment aims to ensure that the Commission can continue maintaining the infrastructure necessary for safe travel across its bridges. Under this proposal, most passenger vehicle tolls will increase by 50 cents, bringing the rate up to $2 per trip starting next year.

For drivers who do not use the EZ-Pass system, there will be an even steeper hike in toll charges. The toll-by-plate cost is set to rise from $2 to $5, marking a significant increase. Additionally, for larger vehicles that measure 8-feet or taller, the EZ-Pass rate will experience an increase of $2 to reach $6.50 per axle. Toll-by-plate charges for these larger vehicles will jump by $3 to $8 per axle.

Bridge Operations and Current Toll Rates

The DRJTBC operates a total of eight toll bridges, which 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 collected from vehicles heading towards Pennsylvania on these bridges. It is important to note that the toll increases will not be applied to Dingmans Bridge, which is privately owned and governed by its own toll system. In addition to the toll bridges, the Commission also maintains 12 non-revenue-generating “toll-supported” bridges.

Funding and Financial Projections

The DRJTBC is unique in its funding structure as it relies solely on toll revenue, receiving no public funding or subsidies. There is a legal requirement for a portion of this revenue to be allocated for the maintenance of older non-highway bridges and pedestrian crossings. The Commission’s Executive Director has highlighted that financial projections for 2026 show a potential shortfall in their general fund reserve balance and debt service coverage ratio, exacerbating the need for increased tolls.

Over the past five years, construction costs have surged with particular increases noted in hot-mix asphalt (up 28%), concrete (up 46%), structural steel (up 66%), and fuel costs (up 44%). As infrastructure ages, the need for continual oversight and maintenance funding grows more pressing.

Public Input and Other Toll Changes

Unlike many other toll agencies, the DRJTBC mandates a public-hearing process for any toll increases. This procedure includes a period for public comment as well as virtual hearings to allow for community input. The increase in rates for non-EZ-Pass users also takes into account additional administrative costs related to billing and payment processing.

As part of broader efforts to modernize toll collection, cash tolls were eliminated from the system in January 2024. Furthermore, on September 1, 2024, tolls on the Delaware River Port Authority bridges were increased. This raised the toll rates on major crossings like the Benjamin Franklin Bridge and the Walt Whitman Bridge from $5 to $6.50 for passenger vehicles for the first time in 13 years. The new funding is aimed at supporting safety upgrades and improving infrastructure.

For senior citizens and frequent commuters, discounted toll programs are available, including an $18 monthly credit for users of NJ E-ZPass who cross the bridges regularly. The Pennsylvania Turnpike’s transition to Open Road Tolling has further modernized toll collection processes, replacing cash toll booths with electronic gantries, thereby enhancing the overall safety and efficiency for motorists.

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