Truckers to pay more after hefty toll hike goes into effect in New Jersey this weekend

Starting on Sunday, you can expect to shell out quite a bit more money on major New Jersey roadways as a major toll increases go into effect.

In May 2020 the New Jersey Turnpike Authority unanimously approved a plan to increase tolls on two major roadways for both passenger and commercial vehicle drivers starting Sunday, September 13.

Starting on Sunday, tolls will increase by 36% on the New Jersey Turnpike. Truckers who are currently paying $56.85 to travel the length of the Turnpike will pay $77.30 for the same trip starting in September.

Tolls will also go up 27% on the Garden State Parkway.

The two toll increases are intended to fund a $24 billion plan to implement cashless tolling technology, widen portions of the New Jersey Turnpike and the Garden State Parkway, and build a bridge between New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

Also on September 13, a 37% toll increase will go into effect on the Atlantic City Expressway intended to generate $500 million for various projects.

Critics of the toll hikes say that authorities used cover of COVID-19 back in May to push through the increases with little input from the public.

“Bureaucrats who control our highways are quietly fast-tracking massive toll hikes on New Jersey drivers when nobody is looking. While our daily commutes may look different today, these toll increases will slam drivers with higher costs as our state reopens, making New Jersey an even more expensive place to live, work, and raise a family,” State Sen. Kip Bateman said.