Dare County Tourism Board Speaks Out Against a Possible Toll Increase

Posted on December 23, 2010

Beach Dollar Sign

Earlier this month we reported that the city of Chesapeake, VA is considering an increase for the toll leading to the Outer Banks.

The Outer Banks Voice is now reporting that the Dare County Tourism Board has come out against the proposed toll increase, and has put their thoughts in writing for the city of Chesapeake.

The Board’s written resolution says that commuters and vacationers would be hurt by a toll hike, and that the increase would unfairly target visitors to the Outer Banks by requiring them to shoulder most of the increase. The resolution went on to state that a toll increase would be counter-productive because it would reduce traffic.

The Outer Banks Camber of Commerce has also contacted the Chesapeake City Council asking them to carefully consider any increase and its impact on tourism and commerce between the two states.

Toll Increase Headed to the Outer Banks?

Posted on December 6, 2010

Beach Dollar Sign

Getting to the Outer Banks through Virginia could cost an extra few dollars next year.

The Virginia Pilot is reporting that the City of Chesapeake is proposing a toll increase on Rt. 168 heading to the OBX. The proposed increase would put the cost for travelers at $5 each way during a summer weekend and $3 for off-season and weekday trips, up from the current cost of $2.

The proposed increase is projected to create an additional $7 million over the next 5 years, which would fund improvements along Rt. 168.

The Chesapeake City Council will vote on the proposal this month, and if it is approved, travelers can expect to see the increase by spring 2011.

How Much Should an Outer Banks Bridge Toll Be?

Posted on October 1, 2009

Rumors have been circulating for a while about a bridge that will connect mainland Currituck to the Northern beaches of the Outer Banks. The NC Turnpike Authority has recently conducted a survey for folks that like in Currituck, Dare, Camden, and Pasquotank counties hoping to get a feel for residents’ thoughts.

The survey asks residents of these counties a number of questions, including how much they would be willing to pay to cross the bridge.

“It’s an exclusive study that certifies the projected revenue of a roadway,” Simons said. “It’s what the Turnpike Authority will use to get the credit to sell bonds to build the road.”

The bridge will be one of the first toll road projects taken on by the state and will cost $660 million. Toll rates have been estimated and anywhere from $6-$30 per crossing.

Construction of this project is scheduled to begin late 2010 and be completed in 2013.