The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission next week is expected to vote on a toll increase on private and commercial vehicles effective August 1.
Smart money is betting that the increase will be approved.
Trucks would see about eight different toll categories with the average increase being 5.3 cents per mile. For passenger cars, the increase would be 1.8 cents a mile.
If approved, the increase would be the first since 1991.
Joseph Brimmeier, chief executive officer of the turnpike commission, said the tolls are necessary to repair and rebuild much of the turnpike’s east-west "main line" and the 110-mile Northeast Extension, in addition to upgrading up to 600 bridges. The bridge across the Allegheny River near Pittsburgh needs to be replaced, he said.
