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New Hampshire is facing a $400M transportation funding gap, leaving hundreds of bridges in disrepair and dozens of vital highway projects on the chopping block. While construction costs have soared, our toll rates haven't budged in 18 years.
We aren't just falling behind; we’re losing the purchasing power needed to keep our state moving. Explore the data below to see how we can restore our roads while protecting NH residents.
THE PROBLEM
THE PROBLEM
New Hampshire faces a $400M transportation funding shortfall in its 10-year highway plan, forcing:
- 34 projects to be cancelled
- 15 projects to be delayed
- 328 bridges in poor structural condition (115 state-owned, 213 municipal)
Root Cause: Toll rates have been frozen since October 2007 (18+ years) while costs for NHDOT have risen dramatically
NHDOT Already Recommended the Solution
NHDOT Already Recommended the Solution
In their 2027-2036 Ten-Year Plan presentation to Governor Ayotte in 2025, NHDOT officials explicitly proposed toll increases as the answer to the funding crisis. Transportation Commissioner Bill Cass recommended a $1 increase at each of New Hampshire's five toll plazas, stating this would address the shortfall and "keep on schedule some of the biggest projects on the drawing board such as reconstruction of Exits 6 and 7 on I-293 in Manchester."
Governor Ayotte's response was unequivocal: "No. We are not going to put a burden on drivers for a toll increase; families are struggling." However, despite the Governor’s opposition, NHDOT continues to recommend this toll increase as it is the only viable solution, especially when paired with in-state NH EZ-pass discounts.
THE INFLATION REALITY
THE INFLATION REALITY
What NH Tolls Have Lost in Purchasing Power
What NH Tolls Have Lost in Purchasing Power
*Adjusted for 48.5% cumulative inflation since 2007
Key Fact: Current tolls have only 67% of the purchasing power they had in 2007.
This isn't about raising tolls; it's about restoring what inflation has eroded.
Key Fact: Current tolls have only 67% of the purchasing power they had in 2007.
This isn't about raising tolls; it's about restoring what inflation has eroded.
REGIONAL COMPARISON: NH HAS THE LOWEST TOLLS
REGIONAL COMPARISON: NH HAS THE LOWEST TOLLS
Per-Mile Toll Rates (Northeast States, E-ZPass/Transponder)
Per-Mile Toll Rates (Northeast States, E-ZPass/Transponder)
Finding: Even after a 50% increase, NH would remain competitive with neighboring states.
Finding: Even after a 50% increase, NH would remain competitive with neighboring states.
[RECOMMENDED ACTION]: Policy Recommendation: NH Resident Discount Program with Inflation Indexing
[RECOMMENDED ACTION]: Policy Recommendation: NH Resident Discount Program with Inflation Indexing
Optimal Solution Combining Best Elements:
Optimal Solution Combining Best Elements:
Immediate: 50% base toll increase for all users (restores 2007 purchasing power)
NH Residents: Enhanced E-ZPass discount (44% off vs. current 30%)
Ongoing: Automatic annual adjustments tied to Highway Construction Cost Index
Why This Combined Approach Works Best: Proven legal precedent - NY State successfully operates resident discount programs
Why This Combined Approach Works Best: Proven legal precedent - NY State successfully operates resident discount programs
Politically sustainable - protects NH residents while capturing tourism revenue
Prevents future crises - automatic indexing eliminates need for future 18-year freezes
Revenue sufficient - generates $470M+ over 10 years, growing with inflation
Economically sound - users prefer small annual adjustments over periodic shocks
Removes politics - takes tolls out of annual legislative battles
Implements NHDOT's Professional Recommendation: Transportation Commissioner Bill Cass and NHDOT officials identified toll increases as necessary in their Ten-Year Plan presentation. This proposal fulfills that recommendation while adding resident protections NHDOT's version lacked.
Real-World Impact for NH Resident:
Real-World Impact for NH Resident:
Year 1: Hampton-Hooksett commuter pays +$4/week (with resident discount)
Years 2-10: Small annual increases ($0.15-0.40/week) instead of large periodic shocks
Result: Predictable, manageable increases vs. surprise 50%+ jumps every 18 years
Implementation Timeline:
Implementation Timeline:
Q1 2026: House Transportation Committee hearing & approval
Q2 2026: Full House vote, Senate consideration
Q3 2026: Executive Council approval, DMV/E-ZPass system integration
Q4 2026: First annual indexing formula established by DOT
Q1 2027: New base rates and resident discounts take effect
Q1 2028: First automatic indexed adjustment (announced 60 days prior)
Full White Paper Policy Proposal:
Full White Paper Policy Proposal:
Read the policy brief sent to elected officials across NH, on both State House and State Senate Transportation Committees
NH Toll Revenue Policy Brief.pdf
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