Gov. Patrick Seeks to Dismantle Turnpike Authority

Governor Deval Patrick is planning to eliminate the Massachusetts Turnpike Authority. Under the plan, tolls within Route 128 are likely to go up.

WBUR's Fred Thys reports.

The Executive Director of the Massachusetts Turnpike Authority, Alan LeBovidge, said yesterday that Patrick's plan would split the Turnpike between two government agencies.

LEBOVIDGE: With the 128 West to the New York border going to the Mass Highway Department, and 128 East, Metropolitan Highway System, going to the Massport.

Before the Turnpike Authority can be dismantled, it has to pay off the debt on the Big Dig. To do that, on Friday, the Turnpike Authority will consider toll increases. It's expected to raise tolls inside Route 128, and eliminate most tolls West of 128, except for those at the Connecticut and New York borders. Speaker Sal DiMasi says he supports the plan.