Commuters, be warned: Toll increases are coming to the Delaware Memorial Bridge

The days of $5 tolls for cars crossing the Delaware Memorial Bridge may soon be over, as the Delaware River and Bay Authority plans to roll out a two-phased toll increase plan in the near future to fund an "aggressive" capital improvement program.

DRBA Executive Director Thomas Cook said the new toll rates must be "sufficient to fund an aggressive capital improvement program for (DRBA's) crossing facilities in subsequent years."

"Significant investment in our infrastructure, which is dictated by its age, condition, operating environment and heavy volume of usage, continues to be our top priority," Cook said.

Future infrastructure projects at the Delaware Memorial Bridge and Cape May - Lewes Ferry are expected to cost over $550 million in the next five years, according to the DRBA. The agency did not say how much the toll increase would be.

The DRBA also aims to increase E-ZPass usage among drivers crossing the Delaware Memorial Bridge to meet the likelihood of "neighboring" toll agencies proceeding with cashless tolling. Ideally, at least 85% of drivers will use E-ZPass to pay tolls, the DRBA said.

When are these public hearings happening?

The DRBA will hold two public hearings ahead of these changes to provide information about the toll increases and infrastructure projects in the works, as well as solicit public comment.

The first hearing will be held at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 8 on the main floor of the Vincent A. Julia Center adjacent to the Delaware Memorial Bridge Toll Plaza near New Castle.

The second hearing will take place at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 10 at the Salem Community College Davidow Performing Arts Theatre (460 Hollywood Avenue) in Carneys Point, New Jersey.

Send story tips or ideas to Hannah Edelman at hedelman@delawareonline.com. For more reporting, follow them on X at @h_edelman.

This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Commuters, be warned: Toll increases are coming to the Delaware Memorial Bridge