PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Plans are underway to convert the Delaware Memorial Bridge to all-electronic toll collection.
The bridge’s aging toll collection equipment is nearing the end of its useful life, according to Jim Salmon, spokesman for the Delaware River and Bay Authority.
“You’re talking about the treadles underneath that measure how many axles. You’re talking about the system itself. It’s more than 10 years old,” he said.
DRBA commissioners recently approved $2 million for design work toward a cashless tolling system. Eventually, an overhead gantry would read E-ZPass transponders, and the toll plaza would be demolished.
The twin-span bridge, connecting New Castle, Delaware, and Pennsville, New Jersey, will join the Pennsylvania Turnpike and, more recently, the Atlantic City Expressway in phasing out cash tolls.
“Going to all-electronic tolling is a convenience to the customer,” Salmon said. “It’s more environmentally friendly because there’s no idling in the toll plazas.”
Drivers without E-ZPass would be billed by mail at a higher rate. More than 80% of drivers crossing the bridge already have E-ZPass, Salmon noted.
The entire $34 million project is expected to be finished by late 2029 or early 2030.