The Indiana and Kentucky bi-state tolling body will meet Thursday morning and decide toll rates for the Ohio River Bridges Project, but those rates are subject to change if the project’s costs change, officials say.
Tolls have not been met with open arms by everyone, but bi-state officials say tolls are a necessary funding mechanism for new East End and downtown bridges and the reconstruction of Spaghetti Junction.The bi-state tolling body is the committee that will set the toll rates, but it also has the power to change those rates depending on project needs, says Kentucky Transportation Cabinet’s David Talley“It’s hard to anticipate what would cause that, but if project needs dictated, the tolling body could adjust or amend the toll rates that are set based on project needs before tolling commenced," he says. Tolls are expected to range from $1 to $12 and officials encourage commuters to use a transponder device that will electronically record their crossings and will one of the cheaper ways to cross the bridge.Rates are also expected to be cheaper for "frequent commuters" which will likely include local area residents who cross the bridges regularly.“You are required to have a transponder in order to participate in the frequent user discount program however just getting a transponder does not necessarily qualify you for the frequent user discount," Talley says.The bi-state tolling body has not yet defined who frequent commuters are and will do so at a later time.
