Judge Freezes Toll Rate Hikes on W. Va. Turnpike

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West Virginia judge has temporarily blocked the toll rate hikes on the West Virginia Turnpike approved in December by the agency that oversees the 88-mile toll road, the Associated Press reported.

The increases, which took effect Jan. 1, raised rates for heavy trucks to $7 from $4.25. Rates for passenger vehicles went up to $2 from $1.25.

The hikes apply at the three tollbooths on the four-lane highway that stretches from Charleston, W.Va., south to the Virginia border.

Kanawha County Circuit Judge Irene Berger on Monday granted a temporary injunction sought by a dozen businesses that use the tollway, AP said.

In a letter to lawyers for both sides, Berger faulted the public notice the authority posted on the state’s register before the meeting.

The state had previously said the higher tolls were needed to pay for infrastructure improvements, while businesses earlier this month had sought to block the increase.

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