For the second time in just weeks, truckers and other drivers have escaped a major toll hike in New Hampshire.
For now, out-of-state drivers can breathe a little easier. State lawmakers approved two plans aimed at bringing in more money for transportation. Both would have made many more drivers outside New Hampshire pay much more to use the state’s turnpikes.
Gov. Kelly Ayotte put the brakes on both plans.
Ayotte hits the brakes
Ayotte has made her position clear: She does not want to raise tolls across New Hampshire.
“I have clearly said that I do not support raising the tolls,” Ayotte wrote in her veto message. “I will continue to focus on making New Hampshire more affordable for all.”
The first plan, SB627, would have raised toll rates for out-of-state drivers starting Jan. 1, 2027.
The higher rates would have hit drivers paying cash, using an out-of-state E-ZPass or driving through a toll without a transponder. The price would have depended on the toll plaza and the vehicle.
For a five-axle truck at the Hampton tolls on Interstate 95, the toll would have nearly doubled. The price would have jumped from $4.95 to $9.50.
At six other toll plazas, the same type of truck would have faced increases ranging from $1.25 to $3.25.
Drivers with a New Hampshire E-ZPass would have avoided the increase. The plan was expected to bring in as much as $400 million a year.
That money would have helped pay for maintenance and operating costs across the state’s turnpike system.
The funds could have been used for improvements along portions of U.S. Routes 3 and 16, as well as Interstates 293, 93 and 95. The bill also would have allowed tolls to rise with inflation over time.
Another toll hike bites the dust
About a week later, Ayotte vetoed another plan aimed at raising transportation money through higher tolls.
HB2026 would have doubled toll rates for drivers without an E-ZPass transponder.
The plan was tied to the state’s 10-year transportation improvement plan. The program covers projects planned from 2027 through 2036.
Toll rates also could have been adjusted over time to keep up with inflation. The money would have gone toward the state’s turnpike system.
“As I stated when I vetoed Senate Bill 627, I do not support raising the tolls,” Ayotte said.
The governor again said she would focus on keeping New Hampshire affordable.
Critics, including those in her own party, said the Republican governor’s actions are short-sighted. They argue turnpike toll money could pay for major road projects without putting more pressure on state taxpayers.
DOT says the money is still needed
The toll fight is far from over.
State transportation officials say they need more money to keep roads and bridges in good shape.
The New Hampshire Department of Transportation says its 10-year plan faces a $400 million gap without new revenue.
The plan is updated every two years. Those updates let the state change priorities, keep some projects moving, drop others and add new work when needed.
For now, both bills are back with lawmakers.
The legislature could try to override Ayotte’s vetoes when lawmakers return this fall. If lawmakers fail, the state could fall back on the transportation plan approved two years ago.
The toll hikes may be dead for now. But with a $400 million hole staring the state in the face, the fight over who pays for New Hampshire’s roads is not going away. LL
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