DRJTBC

The Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Commission recently announced personnel will be available to answer questions about two proposed limited changes to the agency’s current toll schedule one hour before the start of a public hearing in Phillipsburg, N.J.

The commission is seeking public comment on two limited changes in its current toll structure for the agency’s seven existing toll bridges, including the Easton-Phillipsburg (Route 22) and Interstate 78 toll bridges.

One of these proposed adjustments would affect E-ZPass and cash tolls paid by drivers of two-axle vehicles that are less than eight feet high with more than four wheels; the preponderance of these vehicles would be pickup trucks with dual-wheel rear axles, often referred to as “dualies.”

The other proposed change clarifies what the cash toll rates should be for recreational vehicles with a trailer or vehicle in tow.

All other rates and vehicle classifications in the commission’s current toll schedule, which took effect June 30, 2011, are unaffected by the proposed toll adjustments.

The two changes in the current toll structure are expected to begin on or before March 1, 2017, after the commission completes the installation, testing, calibration and activation of a new collections system for manual and electronic toll transactions at the DRJTBC’s seven current toll bridges.

The next public hearing on the toll proposals is scheduled 6 p.m. Aug. 4 at the Early Childhood Learning Center, 459 Center St., Phillipsburg, N.J. Commission personnel will be available to answer questions starting 5 p.m.

During the event, testimony also will be heard on a proposed toll schedule for the Scudder Falls (Interstate 95) Replacement Bridge. The current bridge at that location between Mercer County, N.J. and Bucks County is functionally obsolete and needs to be replaced. Tolling at the replacement bridge is expected to begin in 2019.

All of the toll proposals and the public notice are posted on the commission website www.drjtbc.org.

Under DRJTBC policy, the public also may provide comment on the proposed toll changes by email to communityaffairs@drjtbc.org; website through the “contact us” option at www.drjtbc.org and by mail by writing to the Director of Community Affairs, DRJTBC Executive Offices, 2492 River Road, New Hope, 18938.

Individuals seeking to provide comment should do so no later than Aug. 29.