Mass. Pushes Turnpike Toll Hikes to July

The Massachusetts Turnpike Authority board voted Monday to delay a toll increase that was to take effect this weekend, postponing it to July 1, the Associated Press reported.

In a 3-2 vote, the board agreed delayed the hikes to give state lawmakers maneuvering room to complete a deal to realign the state’s transportation bureaucracy, while providing more funds, AP said.

One toll hike would have doubled a Boston Harbor crossing fee to $7, AP said.

Gov. Deval Patrick (D) and the state’s Senate and House leaders requested the delay last week, pledging to pass a viable plan by July 1, AP reported.