New Delaware Memorial Bridge Toll Rates to Fund Improvements, Some on Cape May-Lewes Ferry

TRENTON – On Feb. 13, New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy and Delaware Gov. John Carney announced a resolution related to the proposed Delaware Memorial Bridge toll rate increase, to fund necessary safety and infrastructure projects.  
According to a release, The new proposal will generate $32 million in increased annual toll revenue compared to the previous $34 million proposal.
The modified proposal includes the following changes:
*  EZ-Pass discount for passenger car/small truck “home agency” users (NJ EZ-Pass or DelDOT account holders) of 25 cents off the $5 toll rate.
 *  Frequent Traveler discount rate increases from $1.25 to $1.75.  On Jan. 1, 2021, the rate increases to $2.25. Frequent Traveler program is 20 trips in 90 calendar days.
  *  Delaware River and Bay Authority (DRBA) Five-Year Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) is amended from $423M to $399M.
  * Implementation date deferred for two months from March 1 to May 1, 2019.  
“I’m thrilled to have worked with Gov. Carney to generate this modified proposal that is more fair to commuters, and allows us to invest in the Delaware Memorial Bridge to keep it in good-repair,” stated Murphy. “This modified proposal allows us to ensure the safe passage of travelers from New Jersey and Delaware, while addressing the commuting costs of our residents, critical goals shared by both states.”
Murphy added that the DRBA agreed to cancel or defer infrastructure projects that would be value-added to their operation, but not vital or essential for the particular facility.  Most of these are at the Cape May – Lewes Ferry.  
“Discussions on a path forward were positive and constructive, and I’m pleased we were able to find common ground,” sstated Carney. “With additional revenue, the DRBA can now proceed with many vital infrastructure investments at Delaware Memorial Bridge and Cape May-Lewes Ferry that otherwise would have been delayed or postponed indefinitely.”
Carney noted that the additional toll revenue is available to match the $22.3 million BUILD federal grant, the $6 million Federal Transit Administration Grant to Repower and Retrofit two ferry vessels, as well as numerous federal grants at the agency’s aviation facilities.
With the additional revenue, the DRBA has the resources to fund the following significant major capital projects planned at Delaware Memorial Bridge and Cape May – Lewes Ferry:  Bridge Paint Removal and Recoating ($48.2 million); Suspension Rope Replacement ($24.5 million); Bridge Steelwork Repairs ($40.5 million); Pin and Link Rehabilitation on Both Structures of DMB ($19.7 million); Ship Collision Protection System ($45.2 million); Bridge Deck Repair ($21.5 million); Transfer Bridge Repairs at the Cape May – Lewes Ferry ($4.3 million); and Ferry Repowering Program ($9.5 million).  
The DRBA Commission plans to vote on Resolution 19-01 (Delaware Memorial Bridge Revised Toll Schedule) at its board meeting Feb. 20, 2019.