NYS Bridge Authority Posts Record Bridge Traffic on Five Spans in 2024
HIGHLAND, NY—The New York State Bridge Authority announced on April 15 that it achieved its highest-ever annual traffic volume and revenue in 2024, marking a historic milestone in its 92 years of operating bridges across the Hudson Valley. The traffic figures exceed pre-pandemic levels, Bridge Authority officials stated.
In 2024, more than 64.4 million vehicles crossed the authority’s five vehicular bridges—an increase of 651,718 crossings (1%) compared to the previous record year, 2019, when more than 63.8 million vehicle crossings were recorded.
The year also witnessed the highest revenue in the authority’s history. Tolls generated over $82 million in revenue, an 8.3% increase from the previous record of over $76 million in 2023. This funding has enabled NYSBA to fully support its ongoing capital improvement plan, offset rising repair costs, and maintain its bridges to the highest standards—ensuring safe, smooth travel for the tens of millions of passengers who rely on them each year. Nearly all of the authority’s operating budget is funded through these toll revenues collected.
The Bridge Authority continues to maintain some of the lowest tolls in the nation. In May 2023, it completed the most recent incremental toll adjustment. As a result, 2024 was the first full calendar year operating under the updated rates: $1.65 for E-ZPass customers and $2.15 for Tolls by Mail customers. Commercial vehicles pay higher rates. These adjustments have directly supported major infrastructure projects, most notably the Newburgh-Beacon Bridge re-decking project, which reached substantial completion in 2022.
While national bridge design guidelines estimate a typical service life of 75-years, the Bridge Authority has demonstrated that with proper maintenance, sound capital planning, and fiscal discipline, bridges can be preserved indefinitely. Three of its bridges—Rip Van Winkle, Mid-Hudson and Bear Mountain—are now more than 90 years old and remain in excellent structural condition, often outperforming younger bridges across the country.
“We are grateful to see traffic return to pre-COVID levels,” said NYSBA Executive Director Dr. Minosca Alcantara. “These bridges are critical to the Hudson Valley’s economy, connectivity, vitality and quality of life. It is especially meaningful to achieve this milestone in 2024, the centennial year of the Bear Mountain Bridge—the first vehicular crossing over the Hudson River south of Albany. Our team is committed to ensuring that these bridges continue to serve the region for generations to come.”
2024 Traffic and Revenue by Bridge
Bridge Traffic Revenue
Rip Van Winkle Bridge. 6,354,938 $6,983,738
Kingston-Rhinecliff Bridge 8,182,164 $8,547,258
Mid-Hudson Bridge 14,216,266 $14,305,589
Newburgh-Beacon Bridge 28,494,216 $45,584,867
Bear Mountain Bridge 7,219,764 $7,068,241
TOTAL 64,467,348 $82,489,693
Complete traffic and revenue data, including historical figures, is available on the Bridge Authority’s website, www.nysba.ny.gov.
Published: April 23, 2025