Beginning Jan. 1, West Virginia Turnpike tolls for trucks will increase 65 percent, from $4.25 for a five-axle truck to $7 at each of the three mainline toll plazas. Passenger car rates will climb 60 percent, from $1.25 to $2.
The hikes are to fund modernization and maintenance of the 88-mile road, including an interchange at Shady Springs and a Beckley area lane-widening project. The Legislature approved an increase in bond authority to support the financing.
There will be no increases from the current rates at the North Beckley interchange or for the West Virginia Parkways Authority Commuter Cards, which are available to noncommercial customers.
Recent studies show 84 percent of the turnpike’s revenues are from out-of-state motorists and commercial vehicles. Turnpike tolls have not increased since 1981.
