The tolls to cross the Margate bridge will increase next month.
Cash travelers will pay $2 per trip across the Downbeach Express — formerly known as the Margate Bridge and Causeway — beginning June 3.
The 25-cent increase is the first rate change in three years, said David Goddard, president of Ole Hansen and Sons, managing partner of the company that owns and operates the causeway.
Class 1 Express Pass patrons will pay $1.40 per crossing, a 30 percent discount.
“The fare increase is made necessary by the high cost of maintaining the four bridges and the more than two miles of roadway that comprise the Downbeach Express,” Goddard said. “These bridges are nearly 90 years old and require continuous and intense upkeep and maintenance. We have spent and continue to spend millions of dollars in capital repair and maintenance costs to keep the bridges and roadway safe and well-conditioned. The only way to fund this work is through periodic toll adjustments.
It is used by thousands of residents and visitors, he said.
“It is our responsibility to ensure their safety, and to ensure that the bridges and roadway remain operational,” Goddard said. “We take that responsibility very seriously, as evidenced by the ongoing investment in the upkeep of the entire span, including the extensive repair and maintenance work done recently to the deck and roadway of Dock Thorofare Bridge in 2018, along with the ongoing reconstruction of piers supporting Risley and Whirlpool Channel Bridges since 2017.”
Downbeach Express Pass Cards can be purchased or replenished online via credit card at www.downbeachexpress.com or on Fridays at the Jewish Community Center in Margate using cash or credit card.
Cards can also be replenished at the toll plaza.
