Port Authority's New Budget Leaves Tolls Unchanged

Motorists won't face higher tolls at Port Authority bridges and tunnels in the coming year. However, they may find it frustrating entering the Lincoln Tunnel in New Jersey.      

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey on Tuesday approved a $7.2 billion budget that holds the line on tolls and will eliminate 200 jobs through attrition next year.      

Commissioners approved a $98.1 million project to rehabilitate the helix leading to the Lincoln Tunnel. Plans call for reinforcing and resurfacing the seven-lane roadway beginning next fall.

The work is expected to end by 2015. Lane closures are expected.      

The budget also calls for spending $247 million for new PATH rail cars and a signal system.      

Some $595 million that was earmarked for the rail tunnel project that was scuttled by Gov. Chris Christie remains unspent.

As for whether motorists can expect toll increases in future budgets, Port Authority Chairman Anthony Coscia said that's "impossible to predict."

"This agency has always been aggressive about managing its policies managing its capital, and we'll continue to do that," Coscia said.