Starting at midnight on September 1, tolls on Delaware bridges will rise by 20% for all vehicle types. This marks the first increase in 13 years, aimed at generating funds for infrastructure upgrades.
The new toll rates will be rounded to the nearest 25 cents on the four bridges managed by the Delaware River Port Authority and Port Authority Transit Corp.: the Ben Franklin, Walt Whitman, Commodore Barry, and Betsy Ross bridges. Mike Williams, DRPA’s corporate communications manager, informed Transport Topics of this update.
Williams emphasized that this increase follows a lengthy period without annual toll hikes, and even with the upcoming change, the rates are still lower than initially proposed.
“In 2008, the DRPA board approved a revised toll schedule that linked biennial toll increases to the Consumer Price Index for the Philadelphia region, starting on Jan. 1, 2013. However, this scheduled CPI-based increase has been deferred nine times since then, with the next increase set for Aug. 1, 2024. After evaluating CPI changes up to Sept. 30, 2023, which indicated a necessary 30% increase, the board voted to reduce the CPI-based amount to 20%,” Williams said.
The additional revenue from the increased tolls will be used to fund major infrastructure projects.
“The DRPA relies on toll revenue to ensure the safety, security and functionality of its bridges and facilities. The funds are vital for ongoing capital projects dedicated to safety, security, and maintaining, improving and upgrading its aging infrastructure. Presently, [DRPA] has earmarked $794.2 million over five years for essential capital projects. These projects include reinforcing the bridge collision protection systems that protect the Ben Franklin and Walt Whitman bridges from ships, as well as painting and rehabilitating the bridge deck on the Commodore Barry Bridge,” Williams noted.
One significant project on the Ben Franklin Bridge involves a $216.9 million rehabilitation of the suspension span and anchorage, scheduled for completion this winter. The work includes replacing crucial components of the suspension system, such as pin-and-link assemblies at the main towers and anchorages, using temporary bracing and jacking. Additionally, new wind-lock assemblies will be installed, and the lateral bracing will be refurbished.
Another major initiative is a $51.5 million upgrade of the tolling technology. This project aims to replace the outdated 25-year-old tolling system with a modern one that offers improved operational, financial, and toll collection capabilities. Approved by the DRPA board in January, the new system is expected to enhance efficiency in revenue controls and performance, providing more accurate reports for traffic, revenue, and customer accounts.
Additionally, a $20 million project is planned for this year to make steel repairs and paint the Betsy Ross Bridge.
“The DRPA prioritizes essential safety and security upgrades, along with critical infrastructure improvements. Our approach to toll decisions emphasizes fiscal responsibility and, most importantly, the safety of all users,” Williams said.
The latest annual report from DRPA highlighted a slight increase in commercial vehicle traffic last year, reaching 3.6 million trucks, which is a 0.52% rise compared to 2022.
“The updated [tolling fare] schedule bolsters DRPA’s strong bond rating, which is vital for effective cost management and maintaining financial stability,” Williams added. “This approach ultimately benefits the trucking industry and ensures the continued safety and good state of vital infrastructure in Greater Philadelphia area.”
