Delaware Turnpike I-95 John F Kennedy Memorial Highway: Toll Guide 2025
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Delaware Turnpike I-95 John F Kennedy Memorial Highway
Official Name: John F. Kennedy Memorial Highway (Delaware Turnpike)
Route: Interstate 95
Length: 23.43 miles (15.1 miles tolled section)
Connects: Maryland state line (Newark) ↔ Pennsylvania state line (Claymont)
Opened: November 15, 1963
Toll Plaza: Newark (single location)
Operator: Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT)
Do I Need to Pay Delaware Turnpike Tolls? 2025 Update
Yes, but only at the single Newark toll plaza near the Maryland state line. Unlike other Delaware toll roads, the Delaware Turnpike collects tolls in both directions at this one location, making it unavoidable for I-95 through traffic.
Key Reality: This is the only toll plaza on I-95 between Baltimore and Philadelphia, making it a critical chokepoint for East Coast traffic. The toll increased to $5.00 in 2025 - the first increase in over a decade.
2025 Update: Delaware implemented a 25% toll increase as part of statewide revenue enhancement, generating an expected $22 million annually. The plaza features modern high-speed E-ZPass lanes rebuilt in 2011.
Delaware Turnpike Toll Costs: Current Rates
The Delaware Turnpike uses a single mainline toll plaza with flat-rate pricing for all vehicle classes traveling in either direction on I-95.
Current Toll Rates at Newark Plaza (2025)
| Vehicle Class | Description | Current Rate | Previous Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class 1 (Passenger Cars) | Cars, SUVs, pickups, motorcycles | $5.00 | $4.00 |
| Class 2 (Two-Axle Trucks) | Trucks with dual rear wheels | $10.00 | $8.00 |
| Class 3 (Three-Axle Trucks) | Three-axle commercial vehicles | $15.00 | $12.00 |
| Class 4 (Four-Axle Trucks) | Four-axle commercial vehicles | $20.00 | $16.00 |
| Class 5 (Five+ Axle Trucks) | Five or more axle vehicles | $25.00 | $20.00 |
| Oversize/Overweight Vehicles | Permitted oversize vehicles | $11.00 | Special permit fee |
Newark Toll Plaza Location
Address: 1200 Whitaker Road, Newark, DE 19702
Mile Marker: 1.4 (near Maryland state line)
Phone: (302) 366-7299
Features: Staffed cash lanes, high-speed E-ZPass lanes (both directions)
How to Pay Delaware Turnpike Tolls
The Delaware Turnpike accepts both electronic and cash payments at the Newark toll plaza, with E-ZPass providing the fastest passage through high-speed lanes.
1. E-ZPass Electronic Payment:
- High-speed lanes available in both directions
- No need to stop - maintain highway speed
- Compatible with all E-ZPass from 17 states
- Automatic account deduction
- Same toll rate regardless of E-ZPass state
2. Cash Payment:
- Staffed toll lanes available 24/7
- Exact change appreciated but not required
- Credit cards accepted at staffed booths
- Same rate as E-ZPass (no premium)
3. Video Tolling (Pay by Plate):
- Available for vehicles without E-ZPass
- License plate captured by cameras
- Invoice mailed to registered owner
- Same toll rate as cash/E-ZPass
To calculate toll costs for your specific vehicle traveling the Delaware Turnpike, use TollGuru's Delaware Turnpike calculator
Recent Changes (2025)
Major Toll Increase:
- Passenger cars: $4.00 → $5.00 (25% increase)
- Commercial vehicles: Proportional increases across all classes
- First toll increase since 2007 (18-year gap)
- Projected revenue increase: $22 million annually
Revenue Justification:
- Funding statewide transportation infrastructure
- Compensating for declining motor fuel tax revenue
- Supporting I-95 corridor improvements
- Addressing construction cost inflation (20-50% increases)
Infrastructure Updates:
- Toll plaza reconstructed in 2011 ($32.6 million project)
- High-speed E-ZPass lanes added
- Enhanced traffic management systems
- Underground tunnel system for toll collector safety
Delaware Turnpike Route & Exits
Major Interchanges (South to North)
Mile 0.0: Maryland State Line (continues as JFK Memorial Highway)
Mile 1.4: Newark Toll Plaza
Exit 1: DE 896 (Newark, University of Delaware, Glasgow)
Mile 3.5: Christina River crossing
Mile 5-7: Biden Welcome Center (service plaza)
Exit 3: DE 273 (Newark, Fair Hill)
Exit 4A/4B: DE 1/DE 7 (major interchange to Route 1, Christiana Mall)
Exit 5: DE 141 (Newport, New Castle Airport)
Northern Section (Toll-Free)
From Newport to the Pennsylvania state line, I-95 becomes the Wilmington Expressway (toll-free) with connections to:
- I-295 South (to Delaware Memorial Bridge)
- I-495 (Wilmington bypass)
- Downtown Wilmington
- US Route 13 north to Pennsylvania
Delaware Turnpike History
Construction & Opening
Planning Era (1955-1963):
- Originally called "Northeastern Expressway"
- Planned as 42-mile, four-lane divided highway
- Built to accelerate I-95 corridor completion
- Total construction cost: $30 million (1963 dollars)
Historic Opening (November 14-15, 1963):
- Dedicated by President John F. Kennedy
- Governors Carvel (Delaware) and Tawes (Maryland) participated
- Opened to traffic midnight November 15, 1963
- First customer: Omero C. Catan of Teaneck, NJ ("Mr. First")
- Renamed in 1964 to honor fallen President Kennedy
Toll History Evolution
Original Toll Structure (1963-1976):
- Initial toll: $0.30 (equivalent to $2.99 in 2025)
- Ramp tolls at DE 896, DE 273, and DE 7: $0.10 each
- Honor system attempted in 1970 (failed after one month)
- Ramp tolls eliminated in 1976 except DE 896
Modern Era Increases:
- 1981: Bonds paid off, tolls continued under "Operation Overhaul"
- 1991: $1.00 (preceded by expansion to 6-8 lanes)
- 2000: $2.00 (with E-ZPass system introduction)
- 2005: $3.00 (DelDOT revenue generation)
- 2007: $4.00 (state budget requirements)
- 2025: $5.00 (statewide infrastructure funding)
Planning Your Delaware Turnpike Journey
Travel Times & Traffic:
- Normal crossing: 15-20 minutes (Maryland to Pennsylvania)
- Rush hour delays: 30-45 minutes during peak periods
- Toll plaza processing: 2-5 minutes (cash lanes)
- E-ZPass lanes: No stopping required
Strategic Importance:
- Critical link in East Coast megalopolis
- Only I-95 toll between Baltimore and Philadelphia
- Connects to Delaware Memorial Bridge system
- Major commuter route for Wilmington area
Alternative Routes:
- US Route 40: Toll-free but significantly slower
- US Route 301: Eventually connects to Route 1 (also tolled)
- Local roads: Add 45-90 minutes to travel time
- Note: No practical toll-free alternatives for I-95 corridor traffic
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I avoid the Delaware Turnpike toll completely?
Practically speaking, no. While US Route 40 and local roads exist, they add 45-90 minutes to I-95 corridor travel and pass through numerous towns with traffic lights. The Turnpike is designed as the primary north-south interstate route.
Why do I pay tolls in both directions?
Unlike many toll facilities that use one-way tolling, the Delaware Turnpike collects tolls in both directions at the single Newark plaza. This maximizes revenue collection and simplifies operations by having all toll collection at one location.
What happened to the old ramp tolls?
Originally, the turnpike collected additional 10-cent tolls at DE 896, DE 273, and DE 7 exits. These were eliminated in 1976 due to operational complexity and frequent toll evasion by drivers without exact change.
Is there a commuter discount available?
No, the Delaware Turnpike does not offer commuter discount programs. The toll is a flat rate for all users regardless of frequency of travel.
What happens if I don't pay the toll?
Unpaid tolls result in violation notices with additional fees. Delaware has video tolling capability to capture license plates of vehicles that pass through without payment.
Delaware Turnpike vs. Regional Toll Roads
| Toll Road | Route | Car Toll | Collection Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delaware Turnpike | I-95 | $5.00 | Both directions |
| JFK Highway (Maryland) | I-95 | $8.00 | Northbound only |
| New Jersey Turnpike | I-95 | $1.50-13.85 | Distance-based |
| Pennsylvania Turnpike | I-95 spur | $4.00-25.00 | Distance-based |
Useful Links & Resources
Related Delaware Toll Pages:
- Delaware Toll Roads - Complete Delaware toll system overview
- Delaware Route 1 - Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway
- Delaware Memorial Bridge - I-295 river crossing
- Delaware E-ZPass - Electronic toll payment setup
- Pay Toll Delaware - Payment methods and violations
Official DelDOT Resources:
- Newark Toll Plaza: (302) 366-7299
- DelDOT Customer Service: (302) 760-2080
- Toll-Free: 1-800-652-5600
- Email: dotpublic@delaware.gov
- Delaware E-ZPass: 1-888-397-2773
Connecting Routes:
- Maryland I-95 (JFK Memorial Highway): Continues south to Baltimore
- I-295 Delaware: Connection to Delaware Memorial Bridge
- I-495 Delaware: Wilmington bypass route
- Pennsylvania I-95: Continues north to Philadelphia
