The New Jersey Turnpike Authority voted today to raise tolls in two phases on the turnpike and Garden State Parkway. The first hike comes in December, and the second comes in 2012.

A drive along the full length of the NJ Turnpike, which now costs $6.45, will more than double to $13.75 by 2012.

Driving the Garden State Parkway from top to bottom also will more than double in four years.

The increases, which the authority approved during a meeting in Woodbridge, are being made to fund road and bridge repairs as well as partially fund a new rail tunnel into New York City.

Meanwhile, the South Jersey Transportation Authority approved a 50 percent toll hike on the Atlantic City Expressway.

The Expressway toll hikes were approved at a special authority meeting in Elwood this afternoon.

The Expressway increase raises the Egg Harbor Plaza toll from its $2 to $3. Tolls at most ramps along the Expressway will rise from 50 cents to 75 cents.

(NJ Star Ledger)