Members of the Executive Council could vote next week on the first broad increase in the state’s highway tolls in more than a decade. The plan would spare in-state commuters the brunt of the hikes.
Under a proposal, the cash toll rate on I-93 in Hooksett would go from $1.00 to $1.50. On the Spaulding Turnpike, the Dover and Rochester tolls would rise to $1.00 from $0.75. In Hampton, the Interstate 95 toll would increase from $2.00 to $2.50.
EZ Pass users would still enjoy a 30-percent discount. The plan would also give a discount to in-state commuters, who would receive 10 free rides after passing through the tollbooths 40 times during a calendar month.
[UPDATE: N.H. DOT has scheduled a public hearing for Dec. 4 at Portsmouth Public Library on the proposed toll increase. It begins at 6 p.m.]
The new toll structure would generate an estimated $36 million, with 54% of the additional revenue generated by out-of-state drivers. The money would be used for turnpike infrastructure projects, including the widening of Interstate 93.
The last statewide toll increase was in 2007. In 2009, the Hampton toll was raised by $0.50 to fund construction projects.
The Union Leader reports the Executive Council is slated to vote on the newly proposed toll plan on December 6th.