On Sept. 18, the Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Commission kicked off a 30-day public comment window to gather input on a systemwide toll adjustment scheduled for next year. The commission first outlined the plan in July, explaining that higher rates are intended “to offset rising construction-industry costs, maintain strong credit ratings and finance new transportation-infrastructure improvements.”

Proposed Toll Increases for Trucks

If the plan is approved, commercial vehicles that use E-ZPass and measure 8 feet tall or higher would see a $2 increase. That would set the new rate at $6.50 per axle. Toll-by-plate users in the same category would face a $3 hike, pushing the total to $8 per axle.

Bridges That Would Be Impacted

The commission manages eight tolled crossings along the Delaware River. The proposed rate changes would affect all of the following:

• Trenton-Morrisville (U.S. Route 1)
• Scudder Falls (Interstate 295)
• New Hope-Lambertville (State Route 202)
• Interstate 78
• Easton-Phillipsburg (U.S. Route 22)
• Portland-Columbia (State Route 611, U.S. Route 46, State Route 94)
• Delaware Water Gap (Interstate 80)
• Milford-Montague (State Route 206)

Passenger vehicles are also part of the plan. Under the proposal, E-ZPass drivers would see tolls climb by 50 cents to $2 per trip. Toll-by-plate customers would pay $5 total, a $2 increase.

The commission said the adjusted rates would begin sometime in early 2026, though a specific start date has not been set.

How to Submit a Comment

Public feedback must be received by Oct. 17. Comments can be submitted through the commission’s online portal.

To increase participation, three virtual hearings are scheduled on Zoom:

• Oct. 7, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
• Oct. 7, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
• Oct. 9, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Anyone interested in speaking at a session must register by 4 p.m. on Oct. 6. The commission plans to post registration details on its website by Wednesday, Oct. 1.

Source: Land Line Media
Image: Fox 56

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