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$7 Tolls Have Drivers Looking For Alternate Routes

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Nov 16, 2008 11:40 am US/Eastern

$7 Tolls Have Drivers Looking For Alternate Routes

Reporting
Paul Burton
BOSTON (WBZ) ― Tolls are going up early next year. The Turnpike board has approved the hikes to help pay off Big Dig debt.

Tolls on the pike will jump inside Route 128. The biggest increase will be at the tunnels, where tolls will double from $3.50 to $7.

 Read: Fast Lane Users Benefit In Pike Toll Hike Plan

With the turnpike board agreeing to double to cost at the tolls, many drivers say they've had enough and are going to find alternate routes.

Tina Giorgione of East Boston says the thought of paying $7 to go through the Sumner and the Ted Williams Tunnels is highway robbery. "If I had to pay $7, I will walk to work for sure."

 React: What do you think about the toll hike?

WBZ's Paul Burton decided to see how long it would take to get to the airport from the news station, located in Brighton, avoiding all tolls and using only alternative routes provided by a GPS.

After getting turned around a few times, Burton made it. He traveled eight miles and drove for 35 minutes, without traffic.

Local Roads Voice Fears Of Congestion

As more people begin to look for alternative routes, many locals are concerned they'll face even more back ups on their local roads.

Joan McGrath lives on Washington Street in Newton – an already very congested roadway. "People just have no chance to get out of their driveways. You have to leave the house 20 minutes earlier."

Many businesses on the back roads fear the toll hike. "We are worried about the congestion," said Sandy Kerns of Javelis Restaurant. "We hope they park their cars and come in."

The next step is public hearings. And after final approval from the board, the hike goes into effect on February 9.

 Use Google to get from point A to point B without having to pay tolls. Visit Google Maps, click on "Get Directions" then click "Show Options" and select "Avoid Tolls."

(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)

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