Bill to Remove Merrimack Toll Moves On

A bill that would raise the state's gas tax and remove the toll at Exit 12 on the Everett Turnpike in Merrimack got voted out of a House committee April 15.

The bill, which the Senate already passed, must now clear the 400-member House of Representatives.

The legislation would increase the state's gas tax for the first time since 1991. the proposed increase would bring the rate from 18 cents a gallon to just over 22 cents a gallon. The projected $33 million generated from that increase would be dedicated to transportation improvements, and the rate adjustment would lapse with the completion of the Interstate 93 widening.

A provision in the bill authorizes the state Department of Transportation to remove the northbound and southbound ramp tolls at Exit 12 on the F.E. Everett Turnpike in Merrimack. The language was spearheaded by state Sen. Peter Bragdon, R-Milford, who has repeatedly heard concerns from Merrimack about the need for toll relief.