(ATLANTIC BEACH, N.Y.) – Nassau County Legislator Carrié Solages (D – Lawrence) today applauded the start of EZ Pass toll service for motorists utilizing the Atlantic Beach Bridge.
The Wednesday, Dec. 13 activation of the electronic toll collection system marks follows several years of advocacy by Legislator Solages for the modernization of this bridge, which is operated by the Nassau County Bridge Authority. The 1,173-foot-long toll drawbridge is a crucial artery that connects Lawrence and Atlantic Beach to the mainland over NY 878 over the west end of Reynolds Channel and provides direct access to the Rockaway Peninsula.
Legislator Solages has regularly questioned County officials on the floor of the Legislature seeking details and updates on the EZ Pass project; in March 2023, shortly after a 50 percent toll increase went into effect, he wrote to Nassau County Bridge Authority officials demanding an update on the state of the bridge which residents rely upon as one of three points of access to the Long Beach barrier island.
“Whether one looked at it through the lens of transparency, fiscal oversight, or traffic management, it made no sense for the Atlantic Beach Bridge to rely upon a cash toll system for as long as it did,” Legislator Solages said. “I am glad that, after multiple follow-ups and inquiries, that the Nassau County Bridge Authority has finally launched EZ Pass service and has embraced all the best practices that the use of this technology entails. This is a victory for the residents of the Five Towns and Atlantic Beach who rely upon this essential thoroughfare in their daily commutes.”