Murphy approves toll hikes for 3 major New Jersey highways
WALL TOWNSHIP, NJ - APRIL 25: A general view of the overhead sign on the Garden State Parkway that lets drivers know that Face Coverings are required at all service areas during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic on April 25, 2020 in Wall Township,
NEW JERSEY - The end of summer means higher tolls for motorists on New Jersey's three major toll roads.
NJ.com reported Wednesday a spokesman for Gov. Phil Murphy said the Democrat signed the meeting minutes on May 27, the same day the boards that operate the highways approved the increases for the New Jersey Turnpike Authority and South Jersey Transportation Authority.
Murphy could have decided not to sign the minutes and veto items.
The increases will take effect Sept. 13.
Tolls would rise by 36% on the turnpike, meaning the average trip which now costs $3.50 would rise to $4.80. Garden State Parkway tolls would rise by 27%, increasing the cost of an average trip by 30 cents. which now costs $1.11 would increase by 30 cents. Atlantic City Expressway tolls would increase an average of 57 cents.
The higher tolls will fund a $24 billion construction plan that includes $16 billion to widen sections of the turnpike and parkway, permanently implement cashless toll payment and replace a bridge between New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
Construction and labor groups supported the plan, while environmental groups and some motorists criticized it.