Hearing set for rate hike on western Md. bridge

OLDTOWN — The Maryland Public Service Commission is giving people a chance to speak up about a proposal to raise the cost of crossing the Potomac River at Oldtown.

The agency is holding a public hearing Monday night in Oldtown on its proposed settlement with the owner of the private bridge.

The toll for most passenger vehicles would rise from 50 cents to $1.50 per crossing. Other vehicles that now pay $1 would also pay $1.50.

Monthly passes would increase from $14 to $45.

The owner had sought a steeper increase, to $2 per car, to pay for repairs to the narrow span between Oldtown and Green Spring, W.Va.

It’s the only river crossing for about 15 miles in either direction.