New Hampshire governor OKs move to all-electronic toll collection

The latest version of New Hampshire’s 10-year transportation plan is set. The transportation funding blueprint is updated every two years.

The newest strategy signed into law by Gov. Chris Sununu authorizes the state Department of Transportation to move forward with plans to eliminate toll booths on the state’s turnpike system in favor of all-electronic tolling.

“(The updated plan) addresses our infrastructure needs by focusing on preservation, maintenance and the safety of existing pavement and bridge infrastructure throughout the state while living within our means and not increasing tolls,” Sununu said in prepared remarks about HB2018.

Supporters said improvements to the Dover and Rochester toll plazas are scheduled to begin soon. Instead of investing millions into facilities that will soon be obsolete, they said the state would be better served to modernize toll collection and do away with the plazas.

Estimates provided to state lawmakers show that all-electronic toll facilities would be nearly one-fourth the cost of toll plazas.

Toll collection at Bedford on the F.E. Everett Turnpike also will be shifted to all-electronic tolling.

In addition, a plan included in the revised transportation plan sets up a committee to study the removal of tolls along the Everett Turnpike in Merrimack.

The completion of widening Interstate 93 in the state’s southern tier is also included in the plan. A long-proposed exit off I-93 in Londonderry also is planned.

Advocates said the exit would reduce traffic in downtown Derry and would be a boon for economic development in the area with new connector roads.

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