Public Shows Support for Bridge Toll Increases at Public Hearing

A majority of the residents who spoke during Monday night’s public hearing on proposed toll hikes on the Tacony-Palmyra and Burlington-Bristol bridges valued safety over expense, the Burlington County Times reports.

Eight of the nine people who spoke were in favor of the proposed increases, which calls for $110 million in total safety improvements to the two bridges, according to the report.

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, according to the report.

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 year.

A final vote will take place after the second public hearing, scheduled for Tuesday night in Palmyra.

Read more at burlingtoncountytimes.com.