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NYS Bridge Authority preparing to raise tolls

Sep 23, 2019 1:45 pm
Geoffrey Wilson and Katelyn Cordero are reporting for the Poughkeepsie Journal the New York State Bridge Authority is expected to implement a toll hike on all Hudson River crossings next year, but the amount of the increase is still unknown. The authority could also switch to cashless tolling as part of a plan to implement a $243 million capital improvement project, which focuses on maintenance for its bridges through 2024. Chris Kelly, acting chief of staff with the bridge authority said, "We get it ... It will be an inconvenience, but once we’re done with that, that span is good for 25 to 30 years, allowing us to push back into regular maintenance." The bridge authority maintains the the Mid-Hudson Bridge, the Newburgh-Beacon Bridge, the Kingston-Rhinecliff Bridge, the Rip Van Winkle Bridge and the Bear Mountain Bridge. Each bridge carries the same tolls: $1.50 cash and $1.25 for E-ZPass holders. Kelly said about 97 percent of the authority's revenue comes from tolls. The rate changes will likely be decided in 2020. Read the full story in the Poughkeepsie Journal.