RICHMOND – The toll rate on the Route 17 George P. Coleman Bridge over the York River between Gloucester and York counties will go up for the first time beginning August 20, 2005. The Commonwealth Transportation Board (CTB) approved today raising the toll by 35 cents, from 50 cents to 85 cents. The toll increase applies mainly to Smart Tag/E-Z Pass commuters. The round-trip toll is collected in one direction.

The toll rate is going up because the current rate is not bringing in enough revenues to meet the facility’s financial obligations. Toll revenues have been insufficient to pay for ordinary maintenance and bridge operations. Revenue shortfalls would total more than $10 million by fiscal year 2009 if no adjustments are made. The CTB has the legal responsibility to set toll rates so maintenance and operating expenses for the bridge are covered, as well as paying all debt obligations.

A traffic and revenue a study conducted for the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) showed that a 35-cent increase for commuters would meet all the facility’s financial obligations.

The Coleman Bridge was rebuilt and widened for $97 million in 1996. The only way the project could be financed is through tolls.

Toll Rates



Tweet

Information in VDOT news releases was accurate at the time the release was published. For the most current information about projects or programs, please visit the project or program Web pages. You may find those by searching by keyword in the search Virginia DOT box above.

Page last modified: Jan. 16, 2008