No relief from Cobequid Pass toll increase

COBEQUID PASS, N.S. (Nov. 20, 2000) — Even though revenues generated by the Cobequid Pass toll road in Nova Scotia are higher than expected, truckers will see their fees jump by 50 cents per axle effective Jan. 1.

Operators of five-axle commercial trucks will pay $2.50 per axle or $12 to use the highway, which is operated by a private company, the Highway 104 Western Alignment Corp. The standard rate for passenger vehicles is also going up 50 cents to $3.50.

Atlantic Provinces Trucking Association president Ralph Boyd complained that the increase will represent a financial hardship for area truckers and that the tolls should be reduced or remain static. Nova Scotia transport minister Ron Russell said the increases were scheduled into the province’s contract with the Highway 104 Western Alignment Corp.

The 45-kilometre highway was built through a public-private partnership at a cost of $112.9 million. The road opened in November 1997. When its construction costs are paid off, the province will own the highway and all tolls will be removed.