State To Begin Converting Mid-Hudson Bridges To Cashless Tolling

HUDSON VALLEY, NY — Five bridge toll crossing in the Hudson Valley will soon be converted to cashless tolling.

The New York State Bridge Authority recently announced the conversion to cashless tolling will be rolled out in phases beginning in July at the Newburgh-Beacon Bridge.

Tara Sullivan, the acting executive director of the Bridge Authority, said it was exciting bringing 21st-century technology and an improved driving experience to motorists in the mid-Hudson region.

"This conversion to cashless tolling will bring great benefits, such as reduced congestion, to drivers who use the Bridge Authority system," she said.

The Newburgh-Beacon Bridge has already had some structural elements for cashless tolling installed during the initial phase of the current deck replacement project, officials said.

Implementing cashless tolling on the Newburgh-Beacon will happen after the July 4 holiday weekend. The exact date will be announced.

In subsequent months, projects to convert the Bear Mountain, the Mid-Hudson, the Kingston-Rhinecliff and the Rip Van Winkle bridges will begin.

The bridge authority said the conversion to cashless tolling on all five spans will be completed by spring 2022.

When cashless tolling is operational, motorists will experience non-stop travel under gantries that have state-of-the-art sensors and cameras that read E-ZPass tags and take license plate images.

Vehicles with E-ZPass tags will be automatically charged. Those without tags will have their license plate image captures and a bill will be mailed to the registered owner.

Anyone can sign up for an E-ZPass online or by calling the E-ZPass toll-free customer service center at 800-333-TOLL (8655).

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