Opposition Voices Concerns About Proposed Bridge Toll Increases

Tuesday night’s public hearing on proposed toll hikes on the Tacony-Palmyra and Burlington-Bristol bridges featured more voices of dissent than the previous night’s hearing, the Burlington County Times reports.

The second of two hearings included residents from both sides of the river who opposed the proposed increases because it was more than they could afford, according to the report.

State Assemblyman Wayne DeAngelo (D-14) countered by saying the proposed toll increases were being used to help pay for needed repairs, and that the increase was the bare minimum, according to the report.

Some supported building a new bridge rather than repairing the Burlington-Bristol Bridge, according to the report. Others who spoke supported the repairs, but said large commercial trucks should be banned from using the bridge.

By contrast, eight of the nine people who spoke at Monday night’s hearing were in favor of the proposed increases, which calls for $110 million in total safety improvements to the two bridges.

Proposed improvements include a deck on the Burlington-Bristol Bridge; repainting both bridges to protect the steel; and $9.25 million for equipment used for bridge openings on both spans, as well as the free Delanco-Riverside bridge over the Rancocas Creek.

The proposal calls for an increase in tolls from $2 to $4 for drivers of cars, motorcycles and light trucks who pay with cash. E-Z Pass customers would see an increase from $1 to $3. Bus drivers face a possible increase of $1.50, and RV drivers may see an increase of $9.

If approved, the new fees would take effect in September, and it would be the first increase in 15 years.

The final vote by the three members of the Burlington County Bridge Commission was scheduled for Wednesday night.

Read more at burlingtoncountytimes.com.