Tolls on Philadelphia-area bridges to be $5 Friday

Update: While crossing the Ben Franklin Bridge on her way back from Camden, reporter Lizz Fiedler was handed a friendly reminder from the folks at PATCO. A flier lists the projects that will benefit from the toll hikes:

 

$30 million for deck truss rehab and cable dehumidification on the Ben Franklin Bridge
$216 million for re-decking, de-leading and painting and cable dehumidifaction on the Walt Whitman Bridge
$22 million for structural repairs on the Commodore Barry Bridge
$26 million for structural repairs and bridge resurfacing on the Betsy Ross Bridge
$202 million for rehabilition to the DRPA/PATCO fleet

Original report: Remember this week, interstate commuters, as the last in a less-expensive era: Drivers who cross from New Jersey to Pennsylvania on four Philadelphia-area bridges will have to pay a dollar more starting Friday.

The cost of crossing the Ben Franklin, Walt Whitman, Betsy Ross and Commodore Barry bridges is scheduled to rise to $5.

 

The agency’s PATCO train line will also have a 10 percent fare hike starting Friday. Rides from the most distant New Jersey stops to Center City Philadelphia will now be $3.

The DRPA says it needs the additional money to pay for major construction projects.