Downtown, Midtown tunnel tolls to increase in 2025

PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY) — Tolls for the Downtown and Midtown tunnels will go up for 2025, Elizabeth River Crossings said Tuesday.

The new toll rates, it said, was part of its comprehensive agreement with the Virginia Department of Transportation.

For passenger vehicles using an E-ZPass, the toll rate during off-peak hours will increase by eight cents, from $2.26 to $2.34 per trip. For those without an E-ZPass, the rate for off-peak hours will increase by 23 cents, from $6.77 to $7 per trip. Off-peak hours are from midnight to 5:30 a.m., 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. to midnight.

During peak hours, the passenger vehicle E-ZPass toll rate will increase by 17 cents, from $3.06 to $3.23 per trip. Those without an E-ZPass will pay an extra 32 cents per trip during peak hours, with the rate going from $7.57 to $7.89 per trip. Peak hours are from 5:30 a.m. to 9 a.m., and 2:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.

For heavy vehicles with an E-ZPass — inclusive of tractor trailers and cars with trailers — the toll rate during off-peak hours will increase by 23 cents, from $6.77 to $7 per trip. During peak hours, the rate for heavy vehicles with an E-ZPass will increase by $1.62, from $11.28 to $12.90 per trip.

ERC says the tolls help pay for the continued finance, operations and maintenance of the Downtown and Midtown tunnels, the MLK Expressway and about 51 lane miles of roadway, along with helping repay the $2.1 billion debt from structural improvements and rehabilitation ERC completed in 2017, including construction of the new Midtown Tunnel westbound.

In October 2023, VDOT and ERC announced the expansion of the toll relief program for those who make up to $65,000 per year, with the program allowing eligible residents to save 50% on up to 14 trips per week through the Downtown and Midtown tunnels.

To be eligible, residents must:

Earn less than $65,000 per year

Live in Hampton Roads

Drive a passenger vehicle (vehicles over 2-axles are ineligible)

Have a Virginia E-ZPass transponder

Anyone interested in the toll relief program must enroll at the E-ZPass Customer Service Centers in Portsmouth or Norfolk, or the DriveERT Customer Care Center on County Street in Portsmouth. Proof of residency and income are required.

While people can save the maximum on tolls with an E-ZPass