Steep Toll Increases Proposed for Maryland Tunnels, Bridges
Maryland Transportation Authority proposal would more double or triple many state tolls by July 1, 2013
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(UPDATE 2:06 p.m.) The Maryland Transportation Authority took one step closer toward making it dramatically more expensive to utilize state tunnels and bridges after its board formally recommended Thursday the largest toll increase in state history.
Under the proposal, tolls for passenger cars on the Bay Bridge would, beginning Oct. 1, increase from $2.50 to $5 and eventually would increase to $8 on July 1, 2013.
In addition, the cost for a one-way toll on the Fort McHenry Tunnel, the Harbor Tunnel and the Key Bridge would jump from $2 to $3 on Oct. 1 and then $4 on July 1, 2013.
Other toll increases set for Oct. 1 include the John F. Kennedy Highway and the Hatem Memorial Bridge going from $5 to $6 and the Harry W. Nice Bridge in Southern Maryland increasing from $3 to $5. All three would then cost $8 on July 1, 2013.
Finally, there will also be increases for E-Z Pass users and commuters along with a video toll rate for vehicles traveling through a toll plaza without a valid E-ZPass or cash payment. The video rate would replace the existing $3 notice of toll due fee and would be 25 percent higher than the proposed cash rates.
MDTA Chairman and Transportation Secretary Beverley K. Swaim-Staley said the increases are necessary as the authority is faced with significant costs for the rehabilitation of aging infrastructure and the construction of additional highway capacity in the Baltimore and Washington regions.
The proposed plan to increase tolls is expected to generate approximately $77 million in the first fiscal year for the self-supported agency that finances, owns, operates and maintains Maryland’s eight toll facilities.
“There are two key forces driving this proposal: paying for major construction work needed to keep these large, aging and expensive facilities both safe and operational and paying for additional highway capacity now under construction in the Baltimore and Washington regions,” said Swaim-Staley in a statement. “The bottom line is that the MDTA’s tunnels, bridges and turnpikes are financially supported through tolls and not the state’s Transportation Trust Fund or General Fund.
"The additional revenue is needed to meet the current and future needs of these facilities. The plan allows Maryland to offer some of the most generous commuter discounts in the country and keeps overall toll rates comparable with those elsewhere in the region.”
Among the state projects requiring funding include:
- $132 million in repairs for the Thomas J. Hatem Memorial Bridge (US 40)
- $121 million in work for the John F. Kennedy Memorial Highway (I-95)
- $225 million in repairs to the William Preston Lane Jr. Memorial (Bay) Bridge (US 50/301)
- $410 million in work for the three Baltimore Harbor crossings – the Fort McHenry (I-95, I-395) and Baltimore Harbor (I-895) tunnels and the Francis Scott Key Bridge (I-695)
- $21 million in repairs to the Governor Harry W. Nice Memorial Bridge (US 301).
In addition, the MDTA is constructing two major projects to address traffic congestion in Maryland. They include the Express Toll Lanes along I-95 in the Baltimore region and the Intercounty Connector in the Washington region.
“The MDTA Board has scaled back projects and reduced expenses to delay an increase in tolls as long as possible,” said Louise P. Hoblitzell, senior MDTA Board Member in a statement. “However, the time has come when additional revenue is required to keep pace with the cost of constructing and maintaining our facilities.
"There is never a good time to increase tolls, but we have a fiscal responsibility, let alone a legal obligation, to pay our bills. How to lessen the impact on our customers and families has been at the heart of Board discussions.”
According to MDTA officials, commuter toll rates were last raised in 1985 for Baltimore toll facilities and in 1983 for the Bay and Nice bridges. Also, toll rates for passenger vehicles were last raised in 2003 at the Baltimore toll facilities, the Kennedy Highway and the Hatem Bridge and in 2001 at the Nice Bridge.
In fact, the Bay Bridge toll rate for passenger vehicles is lower now than when the original span opened in 1952, when drivers of passenger cars paid $2.80 round trip, plus $.25 per passenger.
Toll rates for vehicles with three or more axles were last raised at all facilities in 2009.
The MDTA has opened a 60-day public comment period that will last through Aug. 1.
The public can submit comments for the official record via a web form at www.mdta.maryland.gov or by writing to MDTA Toll Comments, 2310 Broening Highway, Baltimore, MD 21224.
The MDTA Board also will hold nine public hearings throughout the state to receive public and private testimony on the proposal. This includes one set for June 21 at Dundalk Middle School, 7400 Dunmanway.
Elected officials from both parties have been critical of the proposed increases, citing a fragile economy still recovering from the recession as well as the negative impact it would have on workers and business owners on the Eastern Shore.
U.S. Rep. Andy Harris, a Republican has also voiced his outrage over the proposal. The freshman legislator represents Middle River along with the Eastern Shore as part of the First Congressional District.
“Maryland families and job creators, particularly on the Eastern Shore, cannot afford another tax hike by the big spenders in Annapolis,” said Harris in a recent statement. “Governor O’Malley’s administration does not have a revenue problem—they have a spending problem.”
Harris' spokesman, Ryan Nawrocki, said the congressman wiill host a news conference at 1 p.m. on Monday at the Hatem Memorial Bridge to discuss the proposal. He will be joined by State Sens. Nancy Jacobs and E.J. Pipkin among other critics of the plan.
"Governor O'Malley said during the re-election campaign that a fee is a tax and I'm not so sure what's different now," Nawrocki said. "These facilities have been paid for and are making money every year.
"These increases will place a significant strain on commuters and businesses that utilize these facilities. This is nothing more than another disincentive for businesses to hire more workers."
Del. John Olszewski Jr. is among those Democrats opposed to the plan.
"I will personally be expressing my displeasure with the recommendations for toll increases – especially at the commuter level – and I will revisit legislation, not only to combat toll increases, but also to challenge the current process that leaves lawmakers on the sideline," said Olszewski Jr., in a recent opinion article for Patch.
rick j
3:18 pm on Friday, June 3, 2011
Just keep bending over.No matter how many hearings or meetings or panels the democrats keep raisings "FEES".This administration never and will never care about the average worker and families.
Matt
4:03 pm on Friday, June 3, 2011
Rick, how do you propose we pay for the bridges, if we do not raise the tolls? Either way, you have to pay the piper.
George Helm
5:22 pm on Friday, June 3, 2011
Currently when I tow my Bassboat up 95N, getting on at Havre De Grace and exiting at Northeast the toll is 23.00. Ridiculous! I don't go that way as now go up Rt. 1. Can't imagine they are going to raise that figure but I guess I know better! I shake my head at any opinion that wants taxes, tolls, fees, licenses or any government funds to be increased in this economy. We might as well just turn over all our money and let the bureaucrats re-issue back to us what they want us to have! Of course they would exempt themselves!
James P. Miller
5:43 pm on Friday, June 3, 2011
It's time to stop the job's program called the Maryland Transportation Authority. How large is the police force that patrols the one mile section of highway called the Hatem Bridge. There are weight scales that are never open and a staff of toll collectors. Ask the question where did all the toll money go in the last 29 years.
James P. Miller
5:51 pm on Friday, June 3, 2011
SUSQUEHANNA RIVER BRIDGE OPENING
August 28, 1940
Havre de Grace—Perryville
It is a source of satisfaction to participate in the dedication of this bridge, representing as it does the last word in modern equipment of its kind. By reason of its construction it is expected to serve generations, to add to enjoyment and to make possible greater progress and development.
I consider it a sound investment because, while the initial cost is great, it will expedite travel and, with the modern dual highway of which it is an integral part, it will eventually result in lower transportation costs. Many residents of this section have known, either from personal experience or through report, of the days when the crossing of the Susquehanna River between Havre de Grace and Perryville could not be made except on a train.
The old railroad bridge, completed in 1867 as well as the succeeding structure in 1906, became inadequate for the traffic which developed as one decade followed another. It was in 1937 that the State Legislature passed the Act authorizing the State Roads Commission to construct, operate and maintain bridges and the bridge program which was adopted under the preceding State administration included this span.
James P. Miller
5:51 pm on Friday, June 3, 2011
While it is a fact that tolls must be charged, in accordance with the terms of the indenture executed under the preceding administration, I look for the day which I trust will not be far distant when this bridge is toll free and no charges will therefore be made to the travelling public. Particularly am I hopeful that a way can be found, in the light of the studies to be made during the ensuing year, for concessions to the residents of nearby counties who are compelled to use the bridge to a greater extent for their every-day needs. In other words, I feel that there is a distinction between the general travelling public, which happens to use the bridge as a part of an up-to-date highway on an extended trip, and that portion of the neighboring counties which is required to use the bridge, possibly daily, in connection with the earning of a livelihood or to obtain the necessities of life.
To the credit of Maryland, it can be said that ours was the first State in the Union to build a system of hard surfaced roads in accordance with a preconceived plan. Such an undertaking gave the State a position of eminence. It was in June 1909, just thirty years ago that the first contract for a state road was awarded. By 1915 Maryland had 909 miles of new roads and it had taken into the State System additional roads increasing the State mileage to 1, 304 miles. As of September 30th, there were included in the maintenance of the State Roads System approximately 13, 200 miles of roads.
John
2:08 pm on Friday, June 10, 2011
Toll Free? Are you serious? That is NEVER going to happen. But thank you for the laugh, I needed it this afternoon.
James P. Miller
5:51 pm on Friday, June 3, 2011
Considered from another angle, it can be understood why there has been the astonishing development of a road program. Just thirty years ago when the State System got under way Maryland had only 4, 500 licensed motor vehicles. In 1915 it had 29, 000. Now 419, 000 licensed motor vehicles, commercial and private, are recorded or an increase of 1, 300% in fifteen years.
It is no wonder, therefore, that roads constructed for transportation as known a decade and a half ago are now crowded and hazardous. The primary purpose in referring to the development of the past is to enable us to profit by the experience in order that our State shall not lag behind in the further increase and fulfillment of a program for roads and bridges. The development and economical construction of a complete and comprehensive system of roads embodying all possible safety precautions for the motorist and the pedestrian constitutes a major problem in State, County and City governments today.
GOVERNOR RITCHIE MEMORIAL
James P. Miller
5:52 pm on Friday, June 3, 2011
It was a long post that I found in the State Archives. How soon they forget.
Eastsider
7:13 pm on Friday, June 3, 2011
How do the only come up with 77 million in additional revenue ? Counting all the yearly commuting totals for all 6 toll locations equals roughly 118 million commuters.
Edward
9:59 pm on Friday, June 3, 2011
How about fixing all the roads instead of putting up all those sound barriers! What about the transportation police I'm sure they pull in alot of cash in fines! When is it gonna end, EVERY ONE'S GOT THIER HAND IN YOUR POCKET!
helpussomeone
7:45 am on Saturday, June 4, 2011
Fix the road? Have you been on Vale Road recently? Their way of fixing the roads is making them worse! The company who paved that road should be banned from ever paving a road again. And that was the second time they paved it!
Roxane
11:41 pm on Friday, June 3, 2011
New Maryland slogan: "If you can think of it, we will tax it." It should be on every license plate and on the signs that carry OweMalley's name as you cross into Maryland. Just keep driving - into another state.
helpussomeone
7:47 am on Saturday, June 4, 2011
Since Route 1 is one of the only ways to get around the tolls now, I bet they'll consider putting up a toll booth along this road soon? Cecil County and Harford County Residents will be SCRE***!
Katie Kinlin Debbie Downer
2:57 pm on Saturday, June 4, 2011
As a person who moved here from NJ, I quickly found out how ridiculous this state is. Seriously, I heard about them thinking about putting a toll back on the Hatem Bridge so everyone who lives in town has to pay to get over the bridge to get to the other side? What about Cecil County College students? Or, what if I want to use the library over there?
Anyway, I'm sure as heck not staying in this state. Its terrible here. I thought NJ was bad, I was completely wrong. Maryland is going to have trouble finding anyone else who would consider moving here with all their laws. Actually, I'll be outta here by 2013, what do I care?
RG
11:10 am on Monday, June 6, 2011
They could have paid for the roads if they had not raided the Transportation "Trust" Fund.
Its a trust fund you just can't trust.
Roxane
11:16 am on Monday, June 6, 2011
Robin, it's not the fund you can't trust. It's the people who were elected who can't be trusted. There is very little integrity left in Annapolis. It's really a sad, sad situation.
rick j
11:27 am on Monday, June 6, 2011
Yet this state continues to elect the same people who in turn appoint the same friends and family memebers.You think these roads are bad does anyone drive on Broening Hwy?Talk about needing repairs.This is as much a major road with all the container traffic in and out of the piers.Patton wouldn't take his tanks on this road
Roxane
11:38 am on Monday, June 6, 2011
Broening Hwy will be taken care of this summer - along with Boston Street. I attended a meeting about the horrific truck traffic in the residential area around Broening and we informed that it's all part of what has been done to that short portion of Holabird between Broening and Dundalk Aves. Of course, they didn't cross Dundalk onto Holabird where it's still the city's responsibility. Typical.
JJ
11:36 am on Monday, June 6, 2011
Why haven't the commuter tolls been raised since 1985?? $0.20 per trip through the tunnels, instead of $2.00? Come on, where is the GREEN initiative, all you politicians who are so ECO-sensitive? MDTA should be making it MORE EXPENSIVE to commute, and LESS EXPENSIVE to visit Maryland's tourist attractions. Typical government foolhardiness.
James P. Miller
12:39 pm on Monday, June 6, 2011
It's time to abolish the Maryland Transportation Authority. Here is a State Agency that has grown out of control since it was initially started. All the funds collected from tolls are going to fund projects at the airport and an army.
Susquehanna River Bridge
Total Toll Income. $2,572,197.00
Police Salaries $2,060,699.00
Patrol Expenses $128,310.00
Total $2,189,009.00
Total cost system wide to staff and equip the standing MTA (Army) Police force. $46,904,607.00
Now you know why they need to raise the tolls.
Ron
5:51 pm on Monday, June 6, 2011
Has O'Malley and the MDTA employees taken a 7% pay cut ? I got a 7% pay cut 3 years ago with increased insurance rates,higher gas ,food ,electric and well you get the point that everything got more expensive except our pay. How much more do you think we can afford? Cut the pork out and spend wisely. I know this will piss off out of state travelers but the AVI decal should only be issued to MD registered vehicles.
Fred Cullum
11:07 pm on Monday, June 6, 2011
No, the AVI decals should only be issued to residents of Harford and Cecil Counties and used only on the vehicle issued to. That was the way it was when we had ticket books and the start of the AVI decals.
Dot Hines
9:54 pm on Monday, June 6, 2011
Please go to http://mdta.force.com/publiccomment and voice your opinion about the proposed ending of the Hatem AVI sticker program.