Get ready to pay more to cross Lake Pontchartrain via the Causeway.
Effective November 1, toll rates for the bridge will increase from $3 to $3.40 for tag commuters and from $5 to $6 for drivers who pay cash. Drivers of larger vehicles will also see their toll rates increase by approximately a dollar, as well.
According to Causeway general manager Carton Dufrechou, the toll rates increase every seven years to account for inflation.
"Actually, we were concerned that it would go up significantly more," Dufrechou said. "Initial estimates in the spring looked like (prices would go) from $3 to $3.70 for tags and from $5 to $7 for cash commuters."
According to Dufrechou, tolls collected are used to pay for bridge maintenance and operations and to pay down debts for bridge safety improvements, including the new shoulders and the new rails on the southbound bridge.
