For the ninth straight year, tolls on the Pennsylvania Turnpike will be increased.

The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission last week approved a 6 percent toll increase for both E-ZPass and cash customers. The jump will take effect Jan. 8, 2017.The turnpike has a glorious history. It was a national leader when it opened on Oct. 1, 1940. The section between Irwin and Carlisle was the first long-distance controlled-access highway in the United States.But a highway built to last 50 years has now lasted more than 75 and is hurting, officials say.Commission Chairman Sean Logan says revenues from the toll increase will pay for a 10-year spending plan that will invest more than $5.77 billion in the road system.If figures are correct, a car traveling the length of the turnpike will pay $30 with E-ZPass.A rig up to 80,000 pounds will pay $160 with E-ZPass; one that's more than 80,000 pounds will pay $210. Super heavyweights pay considerably more.According to a statement provided by the commission: "The most common toll for a passenger vehicle will increase next year from $1.16 to $1.23 for E-ZPass customers and from $1.80 to $1.95 for cash customers. The most common toll for a Class-5 vehicle - a typical tractor-trailer class - will increase from $9.59 to $10.17 for E-ZPass and from $13.60 to $14.45 for cash."More increases are coming.Logan says traffic and revenue projections call for increases of up to 6 percent per year until 2044.In other words, a local toll costing $1.50 in 2016 will cost $7.67 in 2044.For cash-paying motorists, a switch to E-ZPass might help soften the blow.It costs $38 to open an E-ZPass auto-replenishment account using a credit/debit card. That price includes a $35 toll balance plus a $3 annual service fee. E-ZPass retailers charge a convenience fee, but it's possible to acquire a pass online or by phone and avoid the retailer fee.Some say the plan for steady increases for what is already the most expensive long toll road in the nation just about ensures that future increases will produce a decrease in revenue.As turnpike tolls have increased, traffic congestion has become more prevalent on Interstates 78, 80 and 81.The manner in which drivers select alternate routes is apparent along the turnpike's northeast extension.Since tolls have risen, traffic jams on Route 309 in Tamaqua have become commonplace. The increase in truck traffic has been noticeable.While no official studies have been done, it appears northbound drivers of some cars and especially rigs are opting to avoid the expensive turnpike by taking Route 309 northbound at they head to the New England states.It's a good guess those patterns will continue as turnpike travel becomes unaffordable.By Donald R. Serfass |

dserfass@tnonline.com