Toll collection on the Route 17 George P. Coleman Bridge between York and Gloucester counties will end on the evening of August 8, 2025, following an announcement from Governor Glenn Youngkin. The decision comes after a budget amendment introduced by Governor Youngkin and adopted by the General Assembly, which called for toll elimination no later than January 1, 2026. The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) has expedited this process, moving up the timeline by nearly five months.
“Eliminating tolls on the Coleman Bridge is more than just a financial decision, it’s a commitment to easing the burden on families, commuters, and local businesses who rely on this vital connection every day,” said Governor Glenn Youngkin. “By removing this toll, we are putting nearly $60 million back into the pockets of hardworking Virginians, allowing them to keep more of their hard-earned money and strengthen our local economy. This move also reflects our broader dedication to making life more affordable and accessible across the Commonwealth, supporting economic growth while enhancing the quality of life for all Virginians.”
The bridge’s one-way northbound tolls currently generate about $6 million each year; almost half is spent on operating costs. With bond debt from its 1996 expansion fully repaid but $29.6 million still owed to the state’s Toll Facility Revolving Account, continuing tolling through at least 2034 would have cost drivers around $60 million in total.
“The Commonwealth of Virginia has fulfilled its obligation to repay the bond debt for the Coleman Bridge, so it’s time to stop asking Virginians to pay tolls on this facility, and we are doing so five months early,” said Virginia Secretary of Transportation W. Sheppard Miller III. “There are extensive costs required to continue tolling, and we believe that the toll money collected would be better off in the hands of taxpayers.”
The existing toll infrastructure is nearing obsolescence and would require nearly $5 million in investment if operations continued. By ending collections now and waiving repayment of remaining debt to VDOT’s revolving account, these expenses will be avoided.
Weather permitting, removal work for toll signage will begin at 9 p.m. on August 8 with an overnight northbound lane closure and shift on Route 17 until demolition of the plaza is complete.
“Working together, we were finally able to bring an end to the tolls on the Coleman Bridge,” said Senate Republican Leader Ryan T. McDougle. “This is a win for Gloucester, Mathews, and our entire region—putting more money back into the pockets of hardworking Virginians and easing the burden on families who rely on this vital connection every day.”
“Removing tolls on the Coleman Bridge is a commonsense financial decision that benefits everyone who crosses the river from Yorktown to Gloucester Point,” said Senator J.D. “Danny” Diggs.“When I was a kid, there was a toll on the bridge that was removed when the bond debt was paid. Then, the bridge was replaced and the toll went back on. I know that all of the people that use the Coleman Bridge are thrilled that the toll will be removed once again. The Commonwealth has fully repaid the bond debt that was secured for construction of this critical bridge, and the cost of continuing tolling would have been significant, unnecessarily costing taxpayers millions of dollars. I applaud Governor Youngkin for working with us to decrease the cost of living in Virginia.”
“Removing the tolls on the Coleman Bridge is a fiscally responsible move by the Commonwealth that will save millions of dollars,” said Delegate W. Chad Green Sr.“Virginians in our Peninsula communities have more than paid their fair share, and I applaud Governor Youngkin for making this change, working with General Assembly to get this done, and achieving toll relief for Virginians.”
“By removing tolls on the Coleman Bridge, we’re unburdening Middle Peninsula residents and opening door to economic development and good-paying jobs that help keep our families and communities together,” said Delegate M. Keith Hodges.“I’m proud of work we’ve done with Governor Youngkin to lower costs for Virginians.”
The George P. Coleman Bridge first opened as a tolled crossing in 1952; initial fees ended in 1976 when construction debts were paid off but resumed after major reconstruction widened it from two lanes to four lanes in 1996 due to increased traffic demands.
Currently recognized as America’s largest double-swing span bridge at 3,750 feet long over York River between Gloucester Point and Yorktown—it remains an important link for area residents.
