The need for a future toll hike is clear - the Turnpike Authority has been subsidizing its debt with construction dollars in recent years and needs revenue. But should drivers have to pay costs for big new road projects that clearly are outside the pale of essential Turnpike work and primarily serve land developers ?

Among other things, a toll increase would pay for the $320 million Route 92, which will feature a special off-ramp for the Princeton Forrestal Center in Plainsboro. Likewise, the $275 million Secaucus Interchange project is primarily designed to accommodate new development at the Allied Junction site.

Drivers would feel a smaller pinch if the Turnpike wasn't planning to dun them for new road projects they haven't asked for. Exempting drivers from paying for development driveways could allow a toll increase providing needed Turnpike operating and maintenance revenue to be confined to peak traffic periods. Such a policy could minimize the increase's impact and help reduce congestion by inducing some drivers to travel at off-peak times. The E-ZPass system could easily accommodate time-variable tolls.

It is unclear if Governor Whitman will approve a toll hike. She calls the measure a "last resort," but also supports both Route 92 and the Secaucus Interchange. The Ledger reported that the the final toll hike proposal could be announced by June, along with a comprehensive list of some $1 billion in construction projects to be financed with the money.