Delaware Memorial Bridge two Phase Toll increase Proposal

The DRBA is proposing a two phased plan for Delaware Memorial Bridge (DMB)Toll Rates. The first phase would impact those customers who pay cash and would increase the rate by $1 effective April 1, 2025. E-ZPass users and those who sign up for all discount plans are not impacted. The goal is to encourage cash customers to transition to E-ZPass, paving the way for a conversion to cashless tolling at the DMB. The second phase would impact all customers – and would take effect NO EARLIER than January 1, 2027.

As you know, the DRBA relies solely on the revenues collected from the bridge and ferry systems to operate, maintain and fund the capital construction programs. We receive no support from either state. Approximately 36 million vehicles annually travel across the twin spans. Overall, our DMB customers provide approximately 76% of our total operating revenues.

In future years, revenue projections will be insufficient to provide borrowing capacity or cash revenue to fund necessary infrastructure investment projects, which are expected to cost more than $550 million over the next five years. The following are some of the major capital projects planned at Delaware Memorial Bridge and Cape May – Lewes Ferry during the next several years: Bridge Paint Removal and Recoating ($37.1 million); Suspension Rope Replacement ($11.5 million); Bridge Steelwork Repairs ($52.7 million); Worker Safety/Fall Protection ($11 million) Ship Collision Protection System ($30 million); Cashless Tolling ($21 million); Route 295 Bridge 1 Widening ($11.5 million); and New Vessel Program at the Cape May – Lewes Ferry ($60 million).

This implementation of this plan is necessary at this time in order to provide fiscally responsible funding for a series of essential capital improvement projects. Revenue projections are insufficient to provide borrowing capacity or cash to finance necessary capital projects. These projects are in keeping with the findings of professional engineers who inspect our facilities, and are consistent with improvements implemented on aging facilities similar to those owned by the DRBA