Delaware Bridge Tolls to Rise 20% on Sept. 1
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Tolls on Delaware bridges will increase by 20% for all types of vehicles starting at midnight on Sept. 1 — the first such increase in 13 years — as the state seeks funding to pay for infrastructure improvements.
Toll rates will jump to the nearest 25-cent amount across the four spans 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, corporate communications manager for DRPA, told Transport Topics.
Williams noted that the increase follows a long stretch where annual toll hikes had been deferred, and that the upcoming increase is still lower than what was originally planned.
“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.
Money from the higher tolls will go toward paying for big-ticket 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 of the Ben Franklin Bridge projects involves a $216.9 million rehabilitation of the suspension span and anchorage that is expected to be finished this winter. Steel repairs include replacing critical components of the suspension system, such as pin-and-link assemblies at both main towers and anchorages using temporary bracing and jacking. New wind-lock assemblies will be installed and the lateral bracing will be refurbished.
Work on the Ben Franklin Bridge is expected to be completed this winter. (Delaware River Port Authority)
One major project is a $51.5 million system upgrade of the tolling technology. The goal is to replace a 25-year-old tolling system with an updated system offering enhanced operational, financial and toll collection functionality. The new system, approved by the DRPA board in January, promises improved efficiency in revenue controls and performance along with more accurate reports for traffic, revenue and customer accounts, DRPA said.
Another large capital project set for this year is a $20 million effort 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.
DRPA’s latest annual report noted that annual commercial vehicle traffic increased marginally last year to 3.6 million trucks, up 0.52% compared with 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.”
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