TRENTON, N.J. (1010 WINS) -- The New Jersey Turnpike Authority voted Wednesday to increase tolls on two of the state’s major highways and approve a $24 billion construction plan that the hike will fund.
The board’s 7-0 vote came despite pleas from many people to delay it while residents are dealing with the coronavirus pandemic.
The construction plan includes $16 billion to widen sections of the New Jersey Turnpike and the Garden State Parkway, permanently implement cashless toll payment and replace a bridge between New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
State Senate Majority Leader Loretta Weinberg, specifically asked the board to "hit the pause button" on the highway widening plans, saying officials should wait to see what happens with travel patterns once the pandemic eases.
The toll hikes will begin on Sept. 13.
The authority has said tolls would rise from $3.50 to $4.80on the New Jersey Turnpike, and will increase by 30 cents from $1.11 on the Garden State Parkway.