West Virginia toll rates to double next year

Driving through certain parts of West Virginia will become twice as expensive next year. By unanimous decision, the West Virginia Parkways Authority recently voted to increase toll rates. A new discounted E-ZPass program is also included as part of Gov. Jim Justice’s Roads to Prosperity plan.

The current cash toll rate for five-axle trucks on mainline toll plazas is $6.75. The rate for West Virginia E-ZPass holders is $5.40. The rate for non-West Virginia E-ZPass holders $5.87.

Effective Jan. 1, 2019, toll rates will double. Cash toll rates for five-axle trucks on mainline toll plazas will be $13.50. The new rate for West Virginia E-ZPass holders is $10.80. The rate for non-West Virginia E-ZPass holders $11.74.

The 100 percent increase will apply to all vehicles.

“This allows the Parkways Authority to sell an initial installment of $172 million in bonds (with a goal of $500 million) and will provide funding for important road and bridge improvements in 10 southern West Virginia counties designated by last year’s turnpike legislation,” Gov. Justice said in a statement.

The West Virginia Parkways Authority also approved an E-ZPass discount program. Beginning Sept. 1, West Virginia motorists driving Class 1 vehicles (passenger vehicles) can pay a one-time $24 transponder fee. The transponders will be good for unlimited use of the turnpike for three years. Class 1 vehicle drivers who currently have an E-ZPass will automatically be converted to the new three-year discount program.

Current E-ZPass discounts for commercial vehicles will remain the same and also double next year.