BETHLEHEM, Pa. — Drivers entering the Lehigh Valley from New Jersey may face steeper tolls starting in 2026.
The Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Commission will explore hiking tolls on its eight toll bridges, including the Route 22 bridge and the Interstate 78 bridge that connect Easton and Phillipsburg, New Jersey.
“In the past five years... We still have supply chain issues delaying projects and increasing project costs despite the end of the pandemic.”Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Commission Executive Director Joseph J. Resta
Under the proposal, passenger vehicles with E-Z Pass would pay 50 cents more ($2 total) while those using the toll-by-plate system would owe an extra $2 ($5 total), according to a news release the commission issued Monday.
Larger vehicles with E-Z Pass would pay an extra $2 per axle (for a rate of $6.50 per-axle) while toll-by-plate payers would see their rates climb $3 (for a rate of $8-per-axle) under the proposal.
Other toll bridges operated by the commission include the Interstate 80 bridge, Route 202 Bridge and the Route 1 Bridge.
Rising costs require increase
Commission Executive Director Joseph J. Resta said in a news release the rate hike is needed to keep up with rising costs.
Unlike other organizations, the commission's funding comes exclusively from tolls.
The tolls finance maintenance on the eight toll bridges; 12 other low-traffic spans, including the Riverton-Belvidere Bridge, the Easton Free Bridge and the Riegelsville Bridge; 34 overpasses and viaducts; and 73 miles of roads.
The commission is required to hold three public comment sessions before it can raise tolls, but dates for those sessions have not been selected.Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Commission
“In the past five years, hot-mix asphalt has risen 28%, concrete has risen 46%, structural steel has risen 66%, and fuel has risen 44%,” Resta said in the release.
“We still have supply chain issues delaying projects and increasing project costs despite the end of the pandemic.”
The commission is required to hold three public comment sessions before it can raise tolls, but dates for those sessions have not been selected.
The commission's 10 members are evenly split between New Jersey and Pennsylvania residents.
While Pennsylvania's commissioners are appointed directly by the governor, New Jersey's are nominated by its governor and approved by the New Jersey state senate.
The commission currently has a single Lehigh Valley resident among its members, Daniella Young of Allentown.