West Virginia Turnpike tolls have been rolled back to 2005 rates after a state judge issued a temporary injunction against a 65 percent increase for trucks. On Feb. 13, Kanawha Circuit Judge Irene Berger granted a temporary injunction against rates that increased tolls on Jan. 1 from $4.25 to $7 for a five-axle truck. Passenger car rates climbed 60 percent, from $1.25 to $2.
A suit filed by Southern West Virginia business leaders maintained the West Virginia Parkways, Economic Development and Tourism Authority did not given sufficient public notice when it approved the increase at its Dec. 14 meeting. The authority said the increase was to modernize and maintain the 88-mile road, including building a new Shady Spring interchange.
Last year, the state Legislature approved an increase in bond authority to support the project. But this month, lawmakers have introduced bills in the state Senate and House to restore toll rates to pre-2006 prices.
