thruway

A public hearing was held at the New York State Fairgrounds in Syracuse to hear from community members regarding the state Thruway Authority's proposed toll increases.

It looks like tolls on the New York State Thruway will go up for the first time in 14 years, but the public will get to weigh in on that plan before it goes into effect.

"It’s safer, safer for motorists, safer for highway safety workers and more cost-effective than a quarter-million dollar truck.”

"When the state is engaged in a contract with an organization that has a history of discrimination, that's inappropriate.”

On July 29, ten service areas will close to start work on the first phase of the project.

The Thruway converted to all cashless tolling in mid-November, after work crews mounted cameras on 70 steel gantries that span the lanes at 58 locations on the toll road.

The Thruway Authority Board of Directors is poised to approve a 30% increase for cars without the electronic toll pass at its Dec. 1 meeting. The increase would become effective in January.

The tolls for E-ZPass holders will remain the same, but for travelers without electronic passes, the Thruway Authority is proposing a 30 toll increase in January.

“We are asking people to recognize the importance of getting an E-ZPass because it’s going to save you money.”

Governor Andrew Cuomo says that the final of the 70 steel gantries being built as part of this system has been installed. It’s located on the Thruway at exit 42 in Geneva.