No Toll Increase for Thirteenth Year on Tacony-Palmyra & Burlington-Bristol Bridges: Bridge Commission Introduces Fiscal Year 2014 Budget

For the thirteenth consecutive year, Burlington County Bridge Commissioners announced that there would be no toll increase on its two toll bridges with the introduction of its 2014 budget. They also reaffirmed their commitment to an aggressive bridge maintenance program and pledged to continue economic development, shared service, and tax-saving efforts that have already saved Burlington County taxpayers nearly $16 million dollars.

“Our bridge maintenance is second to none,” said Bridge Commission Chairman John Comegno.  “We remain committed to providing safe and affordable passage over our bridges, while also partnering with the Freeholders on shared service initiatives that provide property tax relief to Burlington County residents. All with no toll increase.”

Vice-Chairman James Fattorini said, “I continue to be impressed—even amazed—by the stellar maintenance program that is constantly improving and preserving our bridges and facilities.  We are continually raising the standards of excellent bridge operations and proactive maintenance.”

The Commission’s $37.4 million dollar capital budget will enable the Commission to maintain the integrity and safety of its bridges, and includes painting of both the Tacony-Palmyra and Burlington-Bristol Bridges. Of all bridge maintenance projects, painting is one of the largest expenditures—and one of the most important.

Although painting will improve the aesthetics of the historically significant structures, its importance is in the protection it affords the steel structures from rust and corrosion; without such protection, the bridges’ integrity could be compromised.  

In contrast to the last time the bridges were painted, which was the mid-1990’s, bridge tolls were raised to fund the million-dollar project.  But because of the Commission’s financially sound position today, this crucial maintenance project can be completed with no toll increase.

Other planned capital projects include replacement of the Electrical Powerhouses on the Pennsylvania side of both the Tacony-Palmyra and Burlington-Bristol Bridges.  These structures contain the critical electrical connections that provide power to the moveable bridge parts that open the bridges to marine traffic and illuminate the structures at night.

A “traveler system” will be installed on the Tacony-Palmyra Bridge; this innovative motorized rolling platform (installed on the Burlington-Bristol Bridge a few years ago) will slash costs, enhance safety, and reduce traffic delays.  Capital projects also include structural steel repairs to both of the Commission’s moveable spans.

“Thanks to the Commission’s sound financial planning, we’ve held tolls stable since 2000,” added Commissioner Troy E. Singleton. And through an aggressive capital maintenance program, we keep our bridges in top condition while providing work in challenging financial times.”  

“It may not be a new message, but it’s one I’m proud to keep recycling.  We’re not raising tolls—our bridges remain the best bargain around,” said Comegno. 

The Burlington County Bridge Commission manages the Tacony-Palmyra and Burlington-Bristol Bridges, and through its economic development and improvement authority powers, assists Burlington County municipalities in economic development and community revitalization projects and extends pooled financing options to local governments and nonprofits in Burlington County. These initiatives have resulted in a savings of more than $15.9 million dollars and garnered more than $14.8 million dollars in grant monies for municipalities.