FAQs > Project Costs & Tolling

What will the toll be?

ERC and VDOT share the goal of reaching the lowest possible toll that can still fund the project. An original estimate proposed to set the toll rate in the $2-3 range during the conceptual outline of the project. The toll will be refined as the project is further studied, including whether and how much public funding is available to lower the toll rate, final traffic projections, setting tolling policy and value engineering to reduce the project cost. VDOT and the Commonwealth will work with ERC to determine and approve the toll range.

How did ERC/VDOT establish the toll rate?

The toll rate will be set by VDOT at a level sufficient to raise the necessary revenue to fully fund the project and cover costs. If costs increase, the toll rate will need to increase with it.

Can the project cost/scope be reduced to lower the toll rate?

ERC is committed to keeping costs as low as possible.

Making the Project smaller or phasing it would significantly reduce the benefits provided. Most of the benefits stem from a operating the Downtown tunnel, the Midtown tunnel and the MLK Extension as a single inter-connected system to enhance mobility.

Likewise, increasing project scope will significantly alter the affordability of the project and require higher toll rates.

What is open road or electronic tolling? How does it work?

Tolls will be collected with overhead electronic gantries instead of toll booths to allow for free-flow of traffic. Vehicles may pass through the toll point at the posted speeds with no need to slow down, stop or find correct change. Each vehicle is identified either by E-Z Pass or the license plate, and a wide variety of options for payment will be offered.

What is E-Z Pass?

E-Z Pass is a toll payment system whereby a transponder is mounted inside a car and when passing through a toll gantry, fees are electronically collected. It is used on virtually all toll facilities in the East and Midwest, including other roads in Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, New Hampshire, Maine, Massachusetts, Indiana and Illinois.

Can I use my E-ZPass?

Yes, you will be able to use E-Z Pass.

Can I use my E-ZPass?

Virginia residents can create an E-ZPass account at VDOT’s website: https://www.ezpassva.com/CreateAccount/CreateAccountHome.aspx

The website also includes links for residents of other states.

If I don’t have a credit or debit card how can I pay the toll?

The electronic system will capture your license plate data and an invoice for the toll due will be mailed to you. Payment options will include in person at an office, via mail and over the internet. ERC anticipates setting up accounts for frequent users who do not wish to obtain an E-ZPass in order to simplify billing and payment.

Are there fines for not paying the toll?

Yes, as established in Virginia Code 46.2819.1 and 46.2819.3

Where will tolls be collected? Can I drive intra-Portsmouth and not pay a toll?

Tolls will be collected at each end of Midtown and Downtown tunnels and on the new MLK Extension that will be constructed with this project. Existing portions of the MLK in Portsmouth will not be tolled.

Are there free alternative routes?

Yes. Alternate routes include the Military Highway and I-64. Riders on public transportation, such as buses and the ferry service will not be charged a toll.

Will tolls be collected during emergency evacuations?

In the event of a hurricane, or other emergency events, tolls will be waived at the direction of VDOT in accordance with state law.