The Virginian-Pilot
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CHESAPEAKE
Escaping to the Outer Banks this summer could cost more than twice as much.
The city is proposing a toll increase on the Route 168 bypass to fund road improvements. A weekend summer trip will cost travelers $5 each way, while off-season and weekday trips will go up to $3 from the current $2.
Increasing the toll has been on the table since 1999. An original finance plan for the Chesapeake Expressway suggested a 50-cent increase in 2005 and another 50 cents in 2011. There was no increase in 2005.
A traffic and revenue study submitted in October recommended the increases.
Mary Ann Saunders, an assistant to City Manager William Harrell, said the city opted against an increase in 2005 because there was more traffic on the road, and thus more money for the city.
That is not the case now. The recent study by consultant Steer Davies Gleave found that Outer Banks visitor traffic has slowed down since 2005 because of the recession and higher gas prices.
All of the revenue - the city projects an additional $7 million over the next five years - would go toward the Expressway to repave the road, rehabilitate bridges, maintain storm water facilities and repair sings, Saunders said.
If the City Council approves the toll increase later this month, motorists can expect to pay the extra dollar by late spring.
The city offers a discount program for Chesapeake Expressway travelers who use E-ZPass. According to the city, the savings add up if the route is used just once per week.
A membership costs $20 for the first six months and $3.33 for following months. It knocks the toll down 75 percent of the current rate. Under the new rate, a membership will give travelers a 50 percent discount.
City officials anticipate little shock, based on the results of the traffic and revenue study completed in October.
The study concluded that Expressway travelers want to get to their destination sooner and are willing to pay tolls.
"We haven't heard much feedback yet," said City Engineer Earl Sorey.
That may change Dec. 15, when the council has scheduled a public hearing.
Sorey said city planners will also meet informally with the public in the City Hall lobby prior to the meeting at 5:30 p.m.
Marjon Rostami, (757) 222-5207, marjon.rostami@pilotonline.com
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What is Chesapeake thinking ??
With gas prices expected to be at an all-time high for this summer, you really think raising the toll on the 3 MILE CHESAPEAKE EXPRESSWAY is the best thing to do?? NO!! The best thing to have done is "Lower The Toll !". Lowering the toll would of increased the usage of the expressway even in the time of outrageous gas prices. As it is now, Battlefield Blvd will be a parking lot, as it has been in the past before the expressway. People will take the last exit before the toll, and go down Battlefield Blvd. I'm just glad that North Carolina hasn't gotten arrogant and put a toll on their road from the Virginia line to the Outer Banks. In a way, this is a slap in the face to NC residents that travel and work in VA!!
Supply and Demand
It amazes me the lack of educated thought in the responses posted here. Do you think the City wants to raise tolls to laugh and pocket the money. No, they have costs associated with a roadway that is not covered by gas tax revenues. I work with many localities in the area and so many want something without wanting to pay for it.
This is simply the law of supply and demand. If the toll is too high, then nobody will take the road (they will take Battlefield) until the other routes get too clogged and they are willing to pay additional amounts. For those that live in NC and commute into Virginia, how about we look at the difference in property costs and taxes. I am sure you are still coming out ahead.
And as for the poor folks who can't af
The insurance rates erase on
The insurance rates erase on difference in property taxes. Period. Only large land holders come out ahead.
The city had far more revenue from the road than they originally expected. To increase the toll to match unexpectedly high numbers is dishonest and misleading.
Tolls are unfair
With a toll how would you expect the poor to afford to go on vacation to the outer banks? We need to set up a new system where Jaguars and Lexuses are taxed at a higher rate than those driving Fords and other econoboxes. THose driving cars by GM and CHrysler should be free as the govt owns them. The rich should pay more for the same services...a progressive toll would be more fair than the current system.
Speed Trap
Ridership is down because the road is a speed trap.55 is too slow for the Chesapeake Expressway. Buyer beware. Fines are a good source of revenue.
Maybe paying a high toll
Maybe paying a high toll should be payment to be allowed to drive 100mph. Chesapeake Authbahn.
Let the tourists pay the increase tolls.
Since the bypass went in, alot of the traffic was taken off of S. Battlefield making a quicker trip for us folks that want to save $2. Driving into NYC you pay tolls the whole way & Chesapeake had the foresight to tap into that revenue stream. If Chesapeake needs the money let them raise it or they'll have to get it somewhere else that may cost us locals more. [Still waiting for the no car tax promised by Gov. Gilmore, that started the screw up of the roads around here. Money to make up lost revenue has to come from somewhere.]
Toll
Let them go ahead and raise the toll. Last time I looked, in order to have to pay a toll you had to be driving a vehicle. The way gas prices are going up, by mid-summer I won't be able to afford to put gas in my car, will therefore lose my job and will have my home foreclosed on. I'll then stand along side the road near the toll booth holding up a sign begging for money. I have so much to look forward to!!
Tolls ought be used to
Tolls ought be used to recoup specific investments over time - not as a source of annual revenue to cover other expenses. If they need to cover increased interest expense (doubtful in the current environment) or increased maintenance cost, then ok. But not to help cover mismanagement of expenses in other aspects of the city checkbook.
Hey bright eyes
Once tourist get wind of the toll increase (if it passes) Battlefield Blvd will be clogged up from all the tourist avoiding the toll booth.