The Delaware Memorial Bridge is scheduled to transition to a fully cashless, all-electronic tolling (AET) system by late 2029 or early 2030. This transition is part of a broader $161 million capital improvement plan recently adopted by the Delaware River and Bay Authority (DRBA). Here are the details:
Project Timeline & Costs
- Duration: The project is estimated to take approximately four years to complete.
- Phases:
- 2026–2027: Design phase for the new tolling infrastructure.
- 2029–2030: Expected implementation and completion of the transition.
- Total Investment: The DRBA has allocated $34 million specifically for the conversion to all-electronic tolls.
Key Infrastructure Changes
- Demolition of Toll Plaza: The existing physical toll booths will be demolished to allow for highway-speed travel.
- Overhead Gantries: High-speed overhead gantries will be installed to house electronic toll tag readers and high-resolution cameras.
- Lane Reconfiguration: Roadway lanes will be reconfigured to support open-road tolling, which is intended to reduce congestion and travel stress.
Impact on Drivers
- E-ZPass Users: No significant changes; drivers will continue to use their transponders but will be able to pass through the tolling point at highway speeds without slowing down.
- Cash Customers: Once the system is fully active, cash will no longer be accepted at the bridge. Drivers without E-ZPass will be identified by their license plates and will receive a Toll-By-Plate bill in the mail.
- Interim Rate Increases: To encourage the switch to E-ZPass before the final conversion, cash toll rates were increased to $6 for passenger vehicles on April 1, 2025. Another toll adjustment may occur as early as January 1, 2027.
Reasons for the Shift
- Obsolete Equipment: Many components of the bridge’s current toll collection system are no longer manufactured, making repairs difficult and costly.
- Safety and Efficiency: Removing toll booths reduces the risk of accidents at the plaza and eliminates the need for vehicles to stop, improving overall traffic flow.
- Regional Alignment: The DRBA is following a regional trend as neighboring agencies like the Port Authority of NY & NJ and the Pennsylvania Turnpike have already transitioned to cashless systems.
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