Bridge tolls rising on Monday

In order to properly maintain its bridges in a safe and cost-effective manner, the New York State Bridge Authority must raise tolls at its five Hudson River crossings for the first time since 2000. The new toll structure will primarily go to finance the re-decking of the south span of the Newburgh-Beacon Bridge, the Authority’s major revenue source. The $81 million project will begin in 2013 and provide local jobs for three years.

The additional toll revenue used to maintain the Authority’s bridges will stay entirely within the Mid-Hudson Region-funding work on the Bear Mountain, Newburgh-Beacon, Mid-Hudson, Kingston-Rhinecliff, Rip Van Winkle and Walkway Over the Hudson bridges.

The increase for passenger cars, to $1.25 for EZPass and to $1.50 for cash, will take effect on January 30th.

The Authority is responsible for providing reliable, safe and convenient access across the Hudson River to all lawful traffic within the framework of a sound long-term financial policy. To that end, the Authority will maintain a vigorous, integrated program of inspection, maintenance, repair and rehabilitation to ensure the structural integrity of its facilities and the safety of its patrons. The Authority bridges are funded by tolls and no state or federal tax dollars.

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