Beginning September 1st, 2024 drivers in the Philadelphia area will have to pay more to cross four local bridges. Earlier today, The Delaware River Port Authority announced tolls are set to increase on the Ben Franklin, Walt Whitman, Commodore Barry, and Betsy Ross bridges.
The Tolls Are Going Up
For the first time in 13 years, the tolls are going up! The four bridges over the Delaware River are under the stewardship of the Delaware River Port Authority. The DRPA announced the increase and the reason for it all.
“DRPA must undertake vital safety and security upgrades and infrastructure improvements,” said DRPA Board Chairman James D. Schultz in an official statement. “Whenever we make decisions regarding tolls, we must do them through the lens of fiscal responsibility, and most importantly, safety. The new schedule supports DRPA’s current high bond rating, which is crucial for effective cost management and financial stability.”
Specifically, the DRPA’s board of commissioners stressed the increase was needed “due to the challenges of enhancing safety and security and maintaining aging infrastructure.”
The four bridges that will incur a toll increase are:
- Benjamin Franklin Bridge
- Walt Whitman
- Commodore Barry
- Betsy Ross Bridge
A Necessary Adjustment
The toll fee will increase from $5 to $6 dollars. Originally, the DRPA sought to increase the fees to $6.50, however that was denied. All in all, the toll increase was a necessary adjustment according to officials.
The additional revenue will be used to not only maintain aging infrastructure, but also aid in the completion of “several high-priority projects, with flexibility to adjust plans due to increased costs and inflation.”
Moreover, revenue from the toll increase “aims to balance financial needs for long-term capital projects and operational stability while complying with bond covenants,” the DRPA said in an official statement.
Lastly, the additional revenue will be used to recruit and retain local police officers.