New audit again questions need for Thruway toll hikes

PHOTOGRAPHER: The Associated Press

The state comptroller is again questioning the need for toll hikes on the New York State Thruway following an audit of its construction and maintenance program.

Thomas DiNapoli urged Thruway managers last winter to postpone planned toll increases until after a detailed review of spending plans, saying it was not clear the hikes were needed. Thruway directors approved a series of hikes amounting to as much as 28 percent for some drivers.

DiNapoli says his office found Thruway managers hadn’t properly reviewed their spending or prioritized projects and criticized their decision to postpone projects used to justify the toll increases.

Thruway officials challenged the idea they are poorly managing capital projects, but said they’ve accepted DiNapoli’s recommendations.