On June 30, 2022 the Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania sided with businesses and municipalities throughout Pennsylvania in its decision to block PennDOT’s Major Bridge P3 Program, which proposed the tolling of nine interstate bridges in Pennsylvania, including the I-83 South Bridge.
The court stated that the Public-Private Partnership (P3) Board did not appropriately identify specific bridges under consideration for tolling when the bridge-tolling concept was approved. The court decided this was a violation of protocol because the public, including businesses and municipalities, were not given a chance to provide input before tolling was approved.
Separate from the temporary injunction imposed earlier this year, this decision effectively puts a permanent end to the bridge tolling initiative. As an active advocate against these tolls, the Chamber is thrilled to see this decision that will protect the businesses and communities around these bridges.
“We are grateful for today’s decision and thank the municipalities and businesses who have worked toward this day,” said Harrisburg Regional Chamber & CREDC President & CEO Ryan Unger. “While tolls aren’t the answer to the necessary repairs for the 83 bridge; we will continue to work with our business and community partners and the state government to establish an equitable, community-centered funding solution that works for all.”
The full court decision can be read here.
