Two recent developments in the metropolitan region may help show the MTA that 5mph speed limits and gates at all toll plazas are not necessary. Last Sunday, the Outerbridge Crossing was fitted with 25mph E-Z Pass lanes in a Port Authority pilot program to test viability of non-stop tolling on all three Staten Island – New Jersey Crossings (Outerbridge, Bayonne and Goethals). New barrier infrastructure will ensure that the higher speed traffic and lower speed cash traffic will not have problems merging. Cameras are also being positioned for high-speed enforcement of violators.

In a related development, construction has begun on the Tappan Zee toll plaza to implement two 20mph non-stop toll lanes by later this year. Traditionally lower summer traffic volumes are expected to make delays minimal. The new lanes, which will have new barrier infrastructure to make merging easier, are expected to process up to 1,800 cars per hour versus the previous capacity of only 800 cars per hour, according to a study by the National Research Council.

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