The Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) has set the date to begin cashless toll collection at the Francis Scott Key Bridge (I-695) in Baltimore. All-electronic toll collection at the Key Bridge will begin Wednesday, Oct. 30.
The Thomas J. Hatem Memorial Bridge (US 40) in Harford and Cecil counties will begin a cashless toll collection prior to the morning rush hour on Wednesday, Oct. 16.
As of those dates, cash will no longer be accepted as payment. New overhead tolling structures, or gantries, have been installed at the bridges to collect tolls electronically. The existing toll plazas will still be up at the Hatem and Key bridges until 2021. Drivers will continue through the plazas without stopping and must obey all roadway signs and speed limits, as these plazas will remain active work zones.
In spring 2021, work at the Hatem and Key bridges will be completed, including demolition of the toll plazas. At that time, motorists will be able to travel at highway speeds.
Officials announced the move to all-electronic tolling at the Hatem and Key bridges this past spring. Cashless tolling eases congestion, and it is anticipated that drivers using the Hatem and Key bridges will save $1 million in fuel and 44,000 hours each year by not stopping at toll booths. Less idling time also results in better fuel efficiency and reduced vehicle emissions. The change also increases driver safety and results in a safer work environment for employees.
E-ZPass® Maryland customers receive significant discounts at most Maryland toll facilities. At the Hatem Bridge – where tolls are collected in one direction only – the two-axle E-ZPass® toll rate is $6, and the two-axle Video Toll rate is $12. The E-ZPass® Hatem Bridge Discount Plans will remain available with cashless tolling. At the Key Bridge, the two-axle E-ZPass® toll rate is $3 and the two-axle Video Toll rate is $6. E-ZPass® commuter plans are available. Due to higher processing costs, the Video Toll rate is 50 percent above the cash/base rate with a maximum of $15 above the base rates.
Standard E-ZPass® transponders are free and there is no monthly fee for customers with Maryland addresses. Interested motorists can sign up for E-ZPass® Maryland at ezpassmd.com, by visiting the E-ZPass® Maryland Customer Service Center at the Hatem Bridge and Key Bridge, or at any other Customer Service Centers located adjacent to MDTA facilities. Registration is also available at many Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration (MDOT MVA) locations or retail partners. A full list of locations is available at ezpassmd.com.
