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Toll increase for highway construction?

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The state Department of Transportation is considering a proposal to increase tolls as part of the Ten Year Transportation Improvement Plan.

Every two years the Department of Transportation works with Regional Planning Commissions and the Executive Council to draft a ten year plan for transportation infrastructure improvement, maintenance, and repair.  The plan is subject to many public hearings and must ultimately be approved by the Governor and legislature.

Right now the proposed plan includes a $0.25 to $0.50 toll increase at plazas in Bedford, Dover, Hampton, Hooksett, and Rochester.

The additional toll revenue would allow the Department to complete all Turnpike improvements within ten years.  Without the toll increase, some projects will not be completed until 2030 or later.  

As a potential argument in favor of the toll increase, the Department estimates that 45% of the additional toll revenue would come from out-of-state travelers.

However, some New Hampshire residents may believe that it is too soon for a toll increase, given that the legislature approved a gas tax increase just last year to fund transportation infrastructure.

Other toll opponents worry that increases discourage tourist travel.

Click here for a list of public hearing dates for the Ten Year Transportation Improvement Plan.

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