Bridge toll to go to $5 December 1

FORT MADISON - Burlington Northern Santa Fe railroad will be changing the way it accepts payments for crossing the bridge, including a 20% increase in toll fares.
According to a release issued Monday, the railroad will now be charging each way and will transition to a cashless payment system.

The railroad will be utilizing credit or debit cards and a swipe or tap function. A $2.50 toll will now be collected in each direction for all types of vehicles, instead of the full $4 toll collected in one direction only. That represents a 20% increase from current rates and a 150% increase from the 2024 rate of $2.00.
"The community benefits from use of the auto portion of the privately-funded bridge. Tolls collected over the bridge are used exclusively for the maintenance and operation of the auto portion. Those maintenance and operating costs far exceed the tolls currently being collected. Automation of the toll collection helps BNSF reduce those overall costs," per the release.
The bridge remains closed to all semi-trucks as the approach geometry causes safety concerns. It is scheduled to reopen to regular traffic on Nov. 7.