COURT HOUSE – The Cape May County Bridge Commission announces that an E-ZPass toll collection system will be installed on all Ocean Drive bridges prior to the 2017 summer season.
The installation—which is designed to increase efficiency and alleviate traffic back-ups on these bridges—is being made possible as part of an inter-local service agreement in place between the Cape May County Bridge Commission and the South Jersey Transportation Authority (SJTA).
“Once the E-ZPass system is installed, more vehicles will be able to pass over the bridges, faster and more efficiently when traveling from Ocean City to Cape May,” said Patrick Rosenello, Chairman of the Cape May County Bridge Commission.
Bridges included in the new E-ZPass installation project include: Middle Thorofare Bridge, Grassy Sound Bridge, Townsend’s Inlet Bridge, Corsons Inlet Bridge and Ocean City-Longport Bridge. The first E-ZPass installation is scheduled to take place on the Ocean City-Longport Bridge, and all of the E-ZPass installations are scheduled to be completed by June 1.
“Our goal in bringing E-ZPass to our Ocean Drive bridges is to ensure that all residents and visitors experience higher levels of efficiency, convenience, and safety while traveling,” added Rosenello.
To assist in funding the new E-ZPass installation, toll increases—the first since 2009—will be necessary. E-ZPass, however, will enable the Bridge Commission to more easily establish seasonal tolling fees to coincide with the County’s high tourism season usage, so that year-round residents do not carry the burden of the increase. A public hearing on the matter will take place on Thursday, April 27, when the Bridge Commission will meet to vote on the toll increase.
The proposed toll increase includes a one-dollar seasonal increase from the Monday before Memorial Day to the Tuesday after Columbus Day, and a 50-cent, off-season increase. In addition to funding the installation of E-ZPass, the toll increase will provide for a balanced operating budget, the establishment of a proactive maintenance plan, and funding for much needed long-term capital improvements.
In regards to staffing and employment of the bridges, there will be no reductions in full-time staff enabled by the implementation of E-Zpass. There is, however, the potential for nominal reductions in part-time, seasonal staff based on the performance of the system and experience gained in 2017 on its capacity to improve traffic flow.
“The Ocean Drive bridges play a significant role in the economy of Cape May County,” said Will Morey, Cape May County Freeholder and liaison to the Ocean Drive Bridge Commission. “The Commission appreciates everyone’s support as we move forward with updating our bridge system to better serve residents and visitors to Cape May County,” he added.
For more than 18 months, the Bridge Commission and Cape May County government have been working with the SJTA in determining the feasibility and benefits of installing E-ZPass on the Ocean Drive Bridge System, recognizing the important transportation link that the bridges provide in connecting Cape May County’s barrier islands.
“Our bridges are getting this makeover because the current systems are 10 years old and in need of an upgrade,” said Karen Coughlin, executive director of the Cape May County Bridge Commission. “With the price of electronics down, these new additions create a win-win situation. We anticipate an increase in people using the bridges and paying tolls—adding to the revenue which will support our efforts to improve the overall condition of the bridges,” she added.
For additional information about the Cape May County Bridge Commission, visit FollowTheGull.com or call 609-465-7806.
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