Pennsylvania toll bridges bill may be overturned

The state government is proposing to revise the plans to toll up to nine bridges.

The bill now goes to the House of Representatives for further consideration.

Democrats say Republicans are in breach of their funding commitments to the state’s transportation industry and argue that PennDOT’s Major Bridge initiative is within the scope of the 2012 law.

“…I’d rather tax [my constituents] than have them in some sort of catastrophe when the Girard Point Bridge falls down,” said Sen. John Sabatina (D-Philadelphia) during floor debate.

“Sooner or later, a bridge is going to collapse and we’re all going to look at each other and say, “how did that happen? How could we have prevented that?” Sabatina added.

Republicans do not support these projects, because “toll bridges will damage the local economy.”

Gov. Tom Wolf expects that it will stimulate the economy by increasing investment to repair bridges.

Pennsylvania Transportation Secretary Yassmin Gramian drew attention to the fact that many bridges are in serious need of renovation, and the department needs billions to ensure public safety.

It is not yet known which bridges may soon become toll-free. PennDOT officials say toll could range from $ 1 to $ 2 to help pay for about $ 2.2 billion for construction work.