NORFOLK, Va. — At the stroke of midnight on Jan. 1, the New Year's ball will drop and many will celebrate the start of 2024. But it also means an increase in the toll rate for several of Hampton Roads' bridges and tunnels.
ERT Tolls go up for Midtown and Downtown Tunnels
Starting Jan. 1, passenger vehicles traveling on the Midtown and Downtown Tunnels between Portsmouth and Norfolk can expect to pay $3.06 during peak hours with an E-ZPass and $7.57 if paying by plate. It'll cost a little less during off-peak hours: $2.26 with E-ZPass and $6.77 without.
Heavy vehicles, including cars with trailers, can expect to pay up to $12.24 with E-ZPass and $16.75 without, during peak hours.
There is a bit of good news for some commuters, however: the toll relief program has been expanded for drivers making up to $65,000 a year. It allows eligible people to pay half on up to 14 trips per week.
South Norfolk Jordan Bridge (SNJB)
Another crossing between Chesapeake and Norfolk will also see its toll rate rise in the new year.
The South Norfolk Jordan Bridge, owned and operated by United Bridge Partners, said its new travel rates will take effect at midnight on Sunday, Dec. 31. E-ZPass drivers will pay $3.25 per trip, while pay-by-mail travelers will be charged $8.25 with each crossing.
Vehicles with three or more axles, including cars with trailers, will be charged a rate starting at $6.95 per crossing using E-ZPass, and $12.25 during peak hours (5:30 to 9 am and 2:30 to 7 pm on weekdays). Pay-by-mail drivers will be charged an extra $5.
Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel (CBBT)
Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel toll rates between Virginia Beach and the Eastern Shore are also increasing. starting Jan. 1.
In the new year, the price of the toll will jump from $18 to $21 during peak season and will be $16 for off-peak season. The hike was approved by the Chesapeake Bay Bridge and Tunnel Commission.
The price to return within 24 hours with an E-ZPass will remain the same at $6 during the off-season and $1 during peak season. Peak season pricing is Friday through Sunday from May 15 to September 15. Off-peak season pricing is all other times.
While the toll seems costly, it is the cheapest mile rate in the region, costing 70 cents per mile.