The New York State Bridge Authority Board of Commissioners December 19, announced it has approved tolls increases effective next year. The adjustment will be phased in over a four-year period. Cash rates will increase from the current rate of $1.50 per crossing to $2.15, starting on May 1, 2020, and ending on May 1, 2023. At the same time, the Bridge Authority will roll out the new tolls for E-ZPass customers at 10 cents per year for four years, with an eventual E-ZPass rate of $1.65 in 2023. According to a press release from Bridge Authority spokesperson Chris Steber, "the toll adjustments will support necessary investments in the spans between Bear Mountain and the Rip Van Winkle Bridge. These projects include the replacement of the Newburgh-Beacon Bridge [north span] deck, major painting and paving projects at the other four Hudson Valley bridges, as well as the transition to all electronic tolling." Information on the planned toll increases will be presented to the public in the coming months. The Authority operates five vehicular spans in the Hudson Valley, including the Rip Van Winkle Bridge, which connects Greene and Columbia counties. Read the full press release at at NYSBA [dot] NY [dot] gov.