State officials say toll booths will be a thing of the past by the end of this year. In some locations around the Finger Lakes it may not seem that way – but it’s coming.
At least that’s what state officials promise.
A total of 70 gantries will be installed throughout the Thruway’s entire 570-mile ticketing system by the end of the year.
Thruway Authority Executive Director Matthew Driscoll announced the installation of the first two tolling gantries in the massive, $355 million project.
“Over the coming weeks and months, more and more gantries will be installed and drivers will notice more work zones on the shoulders of the highway and inner change ramps,” said Driscoll. “When completed, the hundreds of millions of people who travel the Thruway each year will enjoy non-stop travel which will ease congestion, enhance safety, and lower idling emissions.”
If you don’t use E-ZPass, a bill will come in the mail. While some were critical of possible issues with the billing system, or the potential for billing errors – the system, which is active in other parts of the state – like the Niagara Falls area – have few issues.
“For nearly 2 years, we’ve been working with our workers, our part-time toll workers and our full-time toll workers, providing training opportunities, CDL opportunities, job placement and other agencies in the state and in private sectors, so we’re going to continue to work with these people. They are a very important part of our family,” added Driscoll.
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