ANNAPOLIS, Md. (WMAR) — The Maryland Transportation Authority has announced a timeline to install around the clock cashless tolling at the Bay Bridge by summer.
Demolition of some of the current toll booths will begin this month, creating wider lanes at the Bay Bridge plaza.
On the Eastern Shore side of the bridge, crews will prepare for overhead tolling gantries between the Bay Bridge and MD 8 on Kent Island.
Once overhead tolling begins operation, tolls will no longer exist approaching the bridge from Annapolis.
Eastbound travelers will be tolled getting off the bridge.
“We know motorists who use the Bay Bridge are ready to embrace all-electronic tolling,” said MDTA Executive Director Jim Ports. “This past fall, Governor Hogan asked us to initiate cashless tolling at the bridge as soon as possible. This schedule will allow us to fulfill that mission, and this project is the next logical step as Maryland toll facilities move toward an all-electronic system.”
With all-electronic tolling, cash won't be accepted therefore drivers won't have to stop and pay.
The overhead gantries will collect tolls by scanning your E-ZPass or license plate at which point, drivers would be billed in the mail.
Construction will start January 12, with the closures of toll lanes 3, 4, and 5.
Demolition of the entire toll plaza isn't expected to be completed until 2022, well after electronic tolling goes fully into effect.
