The Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) announced that the Bay Bridge’s full-time all-electric tolling system will launch on Tuesday, May 12.
The new permanent all-electric tolling system will include three highway-speed traffic lanes that tie into the two existing lanes on the eastbound bridge and the one westbound two-way lane. Workers currently are completing the software installation and testing of the newly installed overhead tolling gantry.
As reported in MDTA’s press release, the tolls will now be collected through both E-ZPass and Video Tolling and will provide “convenience for motorists, less engine idling for better fuel efficiency and reduced emissions, decreased congestion and increased safety. Bay Bridge drivers will save a combined, estimated 42,000 hours annually with all-electronic tolling.”
From the press release:
The Bay Bridge will be Maryland’s third toll facility converted to all-electronic tolling. The Francis Scott Key Bridge (I-695) in Baltimore and the Thomas J. Hatem Memorial Bridge (US 40) between Harford and Cecil counties went live with cashless tolling in October 2019. The Intercounty Connector (ICC/MD 200) in Montgomery and Prince George’s counties and the I-95 Express Toll Lanes in Baltimore have utilized all-electronic tolling since opening.
This announcement comes after the news last month that the westbound right lane deck rehabilitation project of the Bay Ridge had been completed more than a year ahead of initially scheduled.
