Toll hikes on X-way to deal with transportation infrastructure needs

Posted on October 15th, 2008 by Jen

Prepare to pay slightly more for that trip to the Shore. Tolls on the Atlantic City Expressway will increase by 50 percent early next year if the expressway’s board approves a proposed hike. A trip from Philadelphia to Atlantic City would cost $3.75, up from $2.50.
The South Jersey Transportation Authority, which operates the 44-year-old expressway, said additional funds were necessary to widen 23 miles of the road, repair bridges, upgrade toll booths, improve North Shore access into Atlantic City, and improve Atlantic City International Airport, which the authority also operates. Though the Toll increase may be unwelcome by tourists, it is a small price to pay for the added amenities that it is likely to bring. Afterall, not being stuck in traffic on the way to Atlantic City on your long-awaited vacation is priceless, isn’t it?
The proposed expressway toll increases are the latest in a series of hikes enacted or proposed for New Jersey roads and bridges. The Atlantic City Expressway increases would take effect early next year after three public hearings and approval by the five-member board, chaired by Transportation Commissioner Kris Kolluri.
The first date on which the board could approve the increases is Jan 27, 2009 and the next scheduled session after that would be March 17. The proposed toll increases would include a $1 hike at the Egg Harbor toll plaza, a 25-cent hike at the Pleasantville plaza, a 25-cent hike at the existing 50-cent Atlantic City ramps, and a 15-cent hike at the existing 25-cent Atlantic City ramps.
Critics are continuing to weigh in against the toll increases proposed on Sep.10th, 2008, with Republican lawmakers and a truckers’ group chastising the Corzine administration for the proposed increases after the governor failed to win approval this year for a more ambitious toll-increase plan.