Drivers using the Chesapeake Bay Bridge, I-95, major Baltimore tunnels, and other toll facilities in Maryland are expected to see temporary relief from toll burdens. Maryland Governor Wes Moore announced a freeze (deferral) on toll rate increases across all roads and bridges in the state for the next year.
Governor Moore explained the rationale behind the freeze on social media platform X, stating, "Whether crossing the Bay Bridge, driving on I-95, or going through a Baltimore tunnel, this is about giving residents a bit of financial breathing room," adding, "In a time when people are struggling with high costs, government must make finding ways to lower burdens for residents a top priority."
According to state government estimates, the toll freeze is projected to save Maryland residents approximately $50 million.
Briana McKethan, spokesperson for the Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA), said in a statement, "Under Governor Moore's leadership, the decision was made to defer the toll increase originally scheduled for 2027," noting, "This deferral will not cause any disruption to the authority's operations of existing facilities or key infrastructure projects, such as the Francis Scott Key Bridge rebuild."
Currently, the MDTA oversees all major toll facilities in the state, including the Chesapeake Bay Bridge, the Intercounty Connector (ICC), the Baltimore Harbor Tunnel, and the Fort McHenry Tunnel.
Meanwhile, the deferral comes right after the release of a recent state legislative audit, drawing notable attention. According to the audit report released in September, the MDTA has $230 million in uncollected tolls and $587.2 million in unpaid penalty fines from out-of-state drivers, fueling growing calls to strengthen administrative enforcement to collect delinquent payments.