Murphy vetoes Delaware Memorial Bridge toll hike

TRENTON, N.J. (AP) - New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy has vetoed a proposed toll hike at the Delaware Memorial Bridge.

The Democratic governor issued the veto in a letter dated Wednesday to the Delaware River and Bay Authority, which operates the bridge.

Murphy says he isn't ready for any toll increases beyond those for critical safety projects.

In a statement, the authority said it's disappointed and said the lack of revenue could hurt capital improvement projects.

The price to cross between New Jersey and Delaware was set to increase from $4 to $5 for cars and small trucks, beginning March 1.

The last general toll increase took place in July 2011. The authority approved the now-vetoed hike at a meeting last month.

The agency says approximately 36 million vehicles travel the twin spans annually.