New York bridge agency plans toll hike for upstate spans

HIGHLAND — The state agency that operates five bridges in the Hudson Valley plans to increase tolls next year. New York State Bridge Authority officials tell local media outlets that the agency is proposing to boost tolls form $1 to $1.25 for E-ZPass customers and to $1.50 for cash customers. The toll increase proposal comes as Bridge Authority revenues have decreased by $450,000 so far this year because of a decline in traffic. Agency officials say tolls need to be increased to pay for more than $100 million in capital projects. Officials say a public hearing on the toll increase will be held in December, and the proposed toll increase would take effect Feb. 1. The Bridge Authority operates the Mid-Hudson, Newburgh-Beacon, Kingston-Rhinecliff, Rip Van Winkle and Bear Mountain bridges.