Toll rates to increase for Ohio River bridges in July
RiverLink will raise toll rates by 2.5% for three Ohio River bridges in Louisville, Ky., starting July 1. The increase, part of an agreement between Kentucky and Indiana, is mandated to be 2.5% or the annual rate of inflation, whichever is higher, to fund upkeep and repairs.
Full Story: WDRB-TV/WMYO-TV (Louisville, Ky.)
Illinois Tollway Board OKs $38M for construction
The Illinois Tollway Board of Directors has approved $38 million in construction and engineering contracts, including $20.5 million for bridge rehabilitation on the Veterans Memorial Tollway's Mile Long Bridge and $5.6 million for intelligent transportation system improvements on the Tri-State Tollway. The board aims to spend $1.2 billion this year through the Move Illinois and Bridging the Future programs.
Full Story: The Construction Broadsheet
Delaware plans to increase tolls for out-of-state drivers
The Delaware Department of Transportation plans to increase tolls by at least 25% on Interstate 95, Route 1 and Route 301 by the end of 2025. Delaware E-ZPass users will see a smaller increase compared to out-of-state drivers, who will pay up to $24 for weekend round trips on Route 1. DelDOT expects to generate an additional $61 million annually from the hikes to offset a decline in gas tax revenue.
Full Story: WDEL-AM/FM (Wilmington, Del.)
Phased approach planned for Florida gateway project
The Pensacola Beach Gateway Project will be implemented in two phases: first, the demolition of the existing toll plaza and installation of new tolling equipment, followed by the construction of a new facade. The project aims to address traffic congestion and improve the entry's appearance.
Full Story: WEAR-TV (Pensacola, Fla.)
Budget shortfall prompts Lee County to consider tolls
Lee County is contemplating a toll increase on the Midpoint and Cape Coral bridges as a measure to bridge a projected $13 million budget deficit. The proposed toll hike aims to generate additional revenue necessary to address the financial gap.
Full Story: Gulfshore Business (Bonita Springs, Fla.)
Georgia offers amnesty for Peach Pass violations
Georgia is offering a temporary amnesty for Peach Pass violations, waiving fines for drivers who used express lanes without a transponder from Sept. 30, 2024, to May 30, 2025, if missed tolls are paid by June 30.Chattanooga,
Full Story: The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Tenn. to test AI for intersection safety
The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga's Center for Urban Informatics and Progress has received a $500,000 grant from the Tennessee Economic and Community Development Department to improve intersection safety using real-time technology. The projects involve using AI to predict collisions and implementing a "smart crosswalk" with colored lighting to alert drivers to pedestrians.
Full Story: Chattanooga Times Free Press (Tenn.) (tiered subscription model)
Calif. OKs $1.7B for highway safety, climate resilience
The California Transportation Commission has approved nearly $1.7 billion for infrastructure projects to enhance safety, mobility and climate resilience, aligning with Gov. Gavin Newsom's "Build More, Faster -- For All" initiative. Key projects include rehabilitation of Interstate 805 in San Diego County and emergency repairs for roads damaged by wildfires and storms.
N.C. planning group backs toll option for bridge funding
The Wilmington Urban Area Metropolitan Planning Organization has voted 8-4 in favor of considering a toll to help fund the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge replacement. The North Carolina Department of Transportation needs the organization's support before including the toll as a funding option. Additional funding from federal and state sources is uncertain, with a federal grant under review by the Trump administration.
Full Story: WECT-TV (Wilmington, N.C.)
N.C. Turnpike Authority to install traffic counters
The North Carolina Turnpike Authority is set to install traffic counters on US 158 in Kitty Hawk to gather data for the proposed Mid-Currituck Bridge Project. The counters will track vehicles with toll transponders, aiding in traffic and usage forecasting. Installation will require lane closures, with at least one lane to remain open at all times.
Full Story: Island Free Press (Hatteras, N.C.)
Judge: Feds can't block funds over NYC congestion pricing
A federal judge has temporarily blocked the Trump administration from withholding funds from New York over the city's congestion pricing program, which charges vehicles entering Manhattan's Congestion Relief Zone to reduce traffic. The ruling, in favor of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, prevents federal "compliance actions" until at least June 9.
Full Story: Staten Island Advance (N.Y.)
Texas law targets habitual toll violators with penalties
Texas Senate Bill 1792 allows authorities to enforce penalties against habitual toll violators, defined as drivers with 100 or more unpaid tolls in a year. Penalties include vehicle registration blocks, fines and potential impoundment.
Full Story: Austin American-Statesman (Texas) (tiered subscription model)
Bay City Bridge Partners to resume toll escalation
Michigan's Bay City Bridge Partners will resume its escalation process for late and unpaid tolls in June after a grace period. The company urges customers to clear balances to avoid fees. Bay City residents can qualify for free tolling by setting up a BC-PASS account and installing a transponder.
Full Story: WNEM-TV (Saginaw, Mich.)
