Drivers will encounter higher tolls on eight bridges crossing the Delaware River starting in 2024. The Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Commission (DRJTBC), which oversees 20 bridges between New Jersey and Pennsylvania, announced the toll increase on Monday. The new rates will range from $0.50 to $3, depending on the vehicle type and payment method. The changes are expected to take effect “on or about January 1, 2024,” with a definitive start date to be revealed in December.
For two-axle vehicles less than 8 feet in height, E-ZPass rates will rise by $0.50 to $2. Vehicles not using E-ZPass will see an increase of $2, bringing the toll to $5. For larger vehicles, such as buses and trucks exceeding 8 feet in height, the per-axle rates will increase by $2 to $6.50. Vehicles without E-ZPass will experience a $3 increase, leading to an $8 per-axle charge.
Funding Infrastructure and Maintenance
The toll increases, first proposed in July 2023, aim to fund essential transportation infrastructure projects and improvements within the commission’s jurisdiction. The DRJTBC stated that the hikes are necessary to offset rising construction costs and ensure the bridges’ structural integrity and safety. The tolls collected are the only revenue source for the commission, specifically for vehicles traveling into Pennsylvania.
Joseph Resta, executive director of the DRJTBC, emphasized the financial challenges facing the organization. Projections indicated potential shortfalls in the general fund reserve balance and debt service coverage ratio. Resta highlighted the critical need for these increases to support maintenance operations, such as snow removal and salting during winter months.
The toll increases will affect eight specific bridges, including the notable Ben Franklin Bridge, which charges $6 per passenger vehicle. As the commission prepares to implement the new rates, drivers should be aware of the upcoming changes to their travel costs across these vital crossings.