24-05-2025
Public hearing set on proposed toll bridge rate hike
CUMBERLAND — Local residents will be able to comment on an application by the Historic Oldtown Bridge Preservation to increase its toll rates and charges during a virtual hearing scheduled for Wednesday.
The hearing begins at 7 p.m. before Public Utility Law Judge Christine L. Burke.
In July 2024, the bridge operator requested an increase to the toll rate for passenger vehicles from $1.50 to $2.50, as well as increases for other types of vehicles.
The bridge is the only privately owned toll bridge operating in Maryland and provides a low-water crossing over the Potomac River between Oldtown and Green Spring, West Virginia.
Those who would like to speak at the hearing must sign up by Tuesday through the Calendly app on the commission's website, Under 'Featured Topics' on the right side of the webpage, click on 'Public Comment Hearing Sign Up,' then 'Case 9712 and the hearing date and time. Click 'Next,' enter name and email and click 'Schedule Event.'
Once the sign-up process is complete, registrants will receive a Zoom link. Otherwise, the hearing can be watched on the PULJ Division's YouTube channel,
Written comments can be sent electronically through the commission's online portal, or by mail.
Comments sent by mail should be addressed to: Jamie Bergin, Chief Clerk, Maryland Public Service Commission, William Donald Schaefer Tower, 6 St. Paul St., 16th Floor, Baltimore, MD 21202.
All comments should reference Case No. 9712.
