I-83 South Bridge: PennDOT eyes replacement, possibly tolling it to pay for costs

[modrepub]

Interstate 83 commuters who travel across the South Bridge to Harrisburg will likely see the aging span be replaced in a few years.

In addition, the bridge might be tolled to help pay for construction and maintenance, according to the state Department of Transportation.

The John Harris Memorial Bridge, which crosses over the Susquehanna River, is one of nine bridge projects statewide being considered for PennDOT Pathways Major Bridge Public-Private Partnership (P3) Initiative, a news release states.

With an $8.1 billion deficit in highway and bridge funding, the initiative would allow the state to use alternative funding methods for replacing or rehabilitating bridges. A study that is underway shows that tolling of these spans could be a solution.

"Our reliance on funding models from the last century leaves us especially vulnerable to fund losses stemming from volatile economic conditions and the increasing transition to alternative-fuel or electric vehicles," PennDOT Secretary Yassmin Gramian said in a news release. "This initiative will help us make much-needed improvements without compromising the routine projects our communities and industry partners rely on."

The South Bridge, as it is commonly called, is 61 years old and is going to need more frequent repairs if it isn't replaced, according to PennDOT's virtual public meeting website. It is outdated and doesn't meet the needs of increasing traffic.

Link: https://www.ydr.com/story/news/2021/02/18/interstate-83-south-bridge-eyed-replacement-tolling-pennsylvania-department-transportation/4496565001/

List of bridges considered for tolling

The following bridges are on the list for consideration under the PennDOT Pathways Major Bridge Public-Private Partnership (P3) Initiative:

I-78 Lenhartsville Bridge Replacement Project (Berks County);
I-79 Widening, Bridges and Bridgeville Interchange Reconfiguration (Allegheny County);
I-80 Canoe Creek Bridges (Clarion County);
I-80 Nescopeck Creek Bridges (Luzerne County);
I-80 North Fork Bridges Project (Jefferson County);
I-80 Over Lehigh River Bridge Project (Luzerne and Carbon counties);
I-81 Susquehanna Project (Susquehanna County);
I-83 South Bridge Project (Dauphin County); and
I-95 Girard Point Bridge Improvement Project (Philadelphia County).


Coming to a bridge near you, tolls, on top of one of the highest gas taxes in the country. A lot of the gas tax money and PA Turnpike tolls go to finance State Police patrols for areas who do not pay and maintain a local force. Lots of people skating on their road taxes.

[msongs]

1. they gonna cut other taxes to compensate? tolls on top of high taxes, not so good nt

[ret5hd]

2. AND (being public/private)...

the “profits” will line some pockets.

[modrepub]

3. My Problem With This Approach

is that tolls are most cost effective in high traffic areas. But those areas are already theoretically paying for their maintenance through the gas tax. So you're in effect taxed twice, once through the fuel tax and second with a toll.

There are miles and miles of interstate type highways in areas of PA that are basically rural with shrinking populations. Those are the stretches of highway that suck up resources that aren't theoretically paid for by the cars that use them. These are the roads that should be tolled not the more used highways that may actually be fully paid for by the traffic that travels on them. Once again, you're siphoning revenue from blue to red.