HIGHLAND >> Traffic and revenue on all five Hudson River bridges operated by the New York State Bridge Authority were higher in the first of 2015 than in the same period in 2014, according to the agency.
The biggest percentage increase traffic was on the Bear Mountain Bridge. In sheer numbers, the Mid-Hudson Bridge has the greatest increase in traffic.
Revenue on the Rip Van Winkle Bridge increased by the largest percentage in the region, just under 4 percent.
In dollars, revenue on the Newburgh-Beacon Bridge increased the most, $113,000, with the Mid-Hudson Bridge following at just under $111,000.
Bridge Authority Chief of Staff John Bellucci said the positive numbers are being driven by business travel.
“We are finally noticing a bit of an uptick in commercial vehicle traffic, so I don’t think that is anything but good news for the Hudson Valley,” Bellucci said.
Lower gasoline prices also are helping, he said.
“We know the price of gas certainly has an effect both on commercial and passenger vehicles, and that helped us in the beginning of the year,” Bellucci said. “We are hoping that trend continues.”
Total traffic on all five bridges rose just under 2 percent from the first half of 2014 to the corresponding period in, while revenue grew by 1.7 percent.
The Bridge Authority operates the Rip Van Winkle, Kingston-Rhinecliff, Mid-Hudson, Newburgh-Beacon and Bear Mountain bridges. Only eastbound drivers pay toll.
