Daily News Briefs, March 25, 2025

ASCE Credits Federal Investment For Improving US Infrastructure's Report Card

American infrastructure gets an overall “C” grade — its highest ever — from the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) in its quadrennial assessment of the nation’s built environment, including highways, bridges, ports, and transit systems. In a news release covering today’s publication of the “2025 Report Card for America’s Infrastructure,” ASCE stated that “legislation passed by Congress since the 2021 Report Card sparked progress, but more work and investment is needed to overcome decades of underinvestment and adapt the country’s transportation networks, water systems, electric grid and broadband services to meet current and future demands.”

According to the society’s projections, a $3.7 trillion gap exists between planned infrastructure investments “and what must be done to have the nation’s infrastructure in good working order — an increase from the $2.59 trillion gap reported four years ago. The report underscores the essential need for lawmakers to maintain existing levels of federal infrastructure investment, and increase participation from state and local governments and the private sector, to reduce costs for American households and bolster economic growth.”

ASCE assigns individual grades to 18 categories of infrastructure. Bridges received a “C,” roads a “D+,” and public transit a “D.” A 28-page executive summary accompanies the full report card.

The New York Times reports, ASCE representatives told reporters the infrastructure investments made possible during the Biden administration are showing results, “with grades having improved since the last report, in 2021, for nearly half the 18 categories that the group tracks.” Much of that federal funding is now frozen pending review by the new administration, but ASCE members “expressed optimism” the money will start to reflow “because it benefited most Americans and enjoyed bipartisan support.”

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MTA Collected Nearly $52 Million In Congestion Zone Tolls In February

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) announced yesterday that February congestion pricing program toll revenue was $51.9 million and net income after expenses was $40.4 million. “This keeps the program on track to provide the $500 million that was initially projected,” MTA noted.

The announcement includes a breakdown of the revenue stream by vehicle category and tolling period. Sixty-six percent of the tolls were collected from passenger vehicles and 95 percent during the peak tolling periods (5:00 AM to 9:00 PM, Monday through Friday, and 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM, Saturday and Sunday). “Expenses from the program including operating camera infrastructure and customer service amounted to $9.5 million. Combined with another $2 million for [environmental] mitigation efforts, expenses totaled $11.5 million.” MTA posted a link to a March 24 staff presentation on February program revenue.

During the program’s previous (and first) month of operation (from January 5-31, 2025), toll revenue was $48.66 million, expenses amounted to $11.1 million, and net income was $37.5 million, MTA reported.

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Washington State Starts Public Engagement For Toll Rate-Setting Processes

The Washington State Transportation Commission (WSTC) is conducting public engagement processes related to two future toll policy and rate-setting determinations. One concerns SR 509 and SR 167 expressway tolling (which is referred to collectively as the Puget Sound Gateway Program). The other involves SR 99 Tunnel toll rates.

Puget Sound Gateway: An initial, one-mile segment of the SR 509 Expressway will see tolling begin this October. More tolled segments here and on SR 167 will open in stages from 2026 to 2030. Proposed options for variable toll rates “to support traffic management in the corridor and to meet financial requirements” are detailed on WSTC’s Gateway Program toll rate setting page.

Public engagement from late March to early April is planned as an online open house and two virtual meetings. WSTC is due to choose its final proposal later in April, and it will hold a final hearing in June.

SR 99 Tunnel: A scheduled three-year, three-percent rate increase for the SR 99 Tunnel is coming up on July 1. A virtual meeting on the resulting rates is scheduled for ​​May 13-14. Further information can be obtained and comments can be submitted electronically via a WSTC toll rates and policies page.

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Some Nova Scotians Question Removal Of Halifax Bridge Tolls

The Progressive Conservative Party’s campaign pledge to eliminate tolling on the Macdonald and MacKay bridges in Halifax is now a reality. However, in a CBC News article, some observers, including politicians and transit advocate, question the purpose and implications of the policy change — as well as its timing.

The article discusses bridge system finances, including the $36 million in toll revenue brought in last year. In 2025, by contrast, Nova Scotia is on the hook for a $15 million operating grant, $86 million in capital repairs and $300 million in debt for assuming responsibility for the facilities. The leader of a progressive think tank says the money it’s costing to eliminate the tolls would be better spent on housing, while officials elsewhere in the province chafe at subsidizing bridges they don’t use — especially the MacKay, which is due to be replaced by 2040. Transit advocates also criticize toll elimination for its implicit promotion of passenger vehicle use, which won’t ultimately alleviate congestion.

The legislature is currently debating controversial legislation (Bill 24) advanced by Premier Tim Houston’s administration to “grant the province sweeping powers over transportation and transit decisions.” A local official comments, “To me, the whole toll removal, the way it was done, is kind of a cautionary tale when it comes to Bill 24.”

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Irish Truckers Push For Barrier-Free Tolling Implementation

Citing data provided to the organization by Transport Infrastructure Ireland, the Irish Road Haulage Association (IRHA) is demanding access to barrier-free toll lanes on all the country’s motorways within 12 months, Irish Independent reports. Of 12 tolling sites in the country, currently only the M50 is barrier-free for heavy goods vehicles. IRHA claims companies waste EUR 26 million (USD 28 million) in diesel every year at toll booths — burned fuel that releases nearly 45,000 tonnes of carbon at a time when Ireland could face major fines from the European Union if it doesn’t meet 2030 climate targets.

An LMFM Radio article includes statements by IRHA leadership on the organization’s basis for demanding toll plaza upgrades.

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These are just some of the toll industry developments TRN is following.

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