Portsmouth, Va. - On Friday morning, Governor Terry McAuliffe delivered some good news to the citizens of Hampton Roads.
He announced an agreement that ensures there will be no tolls on the Martin Luther King Freeway Project.
This agreement will also add provisions that will ease tolls on related projects on the Midtown and Downtown Tunnels for those who are impacted severely financially for medical issues or other reasons.
The state plans to take the $78 million that was set aside for Route 460 improvements in southeast Virginia to buy out the tolls on the MLK extension project.
“Regarding the Midtown and Downtown tunnels, there will be some relief to ease the tolling burden on those residents who are the most financially impacted,” added Transportation Secretary Aubrey Layne. “Our contractor, Elizabeth River Crossings (ERC), has agreed to pay $500,000 a year for 10 years to help offset the cost of tolls to those toll users who are the most financially stressed. I have directed Deputy Secretary of Transportation Grindly Johnson to lead this effort and work with the local community to ensure these monies are invested in the most beneficial way to ease the financial burden of tolls on those residents who need the help the most.”
They will also cap the amount that Elizabeth River Tunnels can charge for violations for unpaid tolls. They cannot exceed $2,200.
Officials also plan to educate the public more about the EZPass program.
Related:
Chesapeake Expressway speed limit up for discussion among mayor, city council
New toll rates for Downtown, Midtown Tunnels coming in 2015
Crews to install new toll increase signs near Downtown, Midtown Tunnels this weekend
ERC CEO pledges to fix problems with tunnel tolling
Gov. McAuliffe signs bill eliminating E-ZPass maintenance fees
Tunnel toll bills in the mail, ERT offers discount for “pay by plate” customers
