NEW CASTLE, Del.- Citing the need for costly major infrastructure improvements, the Delaware River and Bay Authority Commission on Tuesday approved an across-the-board increase in tolls for the Delaware Memorial Bridge slated to take effect March 1.
The new toll rate schedule is expected to generate about $34 million in additional annual revenue that will fund the agency’s $440 million capital improvement program. The board action, which is subject to the New Jersey and Delaware governors’ 10-day review and consent period, took place at the bi-state agency’s monthly meeting.
The new toll schedule sets the rate for passenger cars and small trucks at $5 while commercial vehicles will pay $2 more per axle. The agency’s discount programs, commuter and frequent traveler, will also be adjusted for just the second time in more than 30 years. The last general toll increase took place on July 1, 2011. Approximately 36 million vehicles annually travel across the twin spans.
According to James N. Hogan, DRBA chairman, the toll increase is essential to fund infrastructure improvements at the agency’s crossing facilities - primarily at the Delaware Memorial Bridge.
"Over the next five years, the DRBA will need to make significant infrastructure investments at the bridge that are both expensive and necessary to ensure public safety and uninterrupted traffic flow," Hogan said.
Toll Rate Schedule
Current Toll New Toll
Non-Commercial
Passenger Car, Small Truck $4.00 $5.00
Passenger Car w/ 1 Axle Trailer $6.00 $7.50
Passenger Car w/ 2 Axle Trailer $8.00 $10.00
Passenger Car w/ 3 Axle Trailer $10.00 $12.50
Passenger Car Discount Traffic
Commuters (22 trips in 30 days) $1.00 $1.25
Frequent Travelers $1.25 $2.00
Commercial Vehicles
2 Axle Vehicle $10.00 $12.00
3 Axle Vehicle $15.00 $21.00
4 Axle Vehicle $20.00 $28.00
5 Axle Vehicle $25.00 $35.00
6 Axle Vehicle $30.00 $42.00