Tolls End on San Luis Pass Bridge Connecting Galveston and Surfside

GALVESTON, Texas — Drivers using the San Luis Pass Bridge between Galveston Island and Follet’s Island can now travel toll-free starting at 12:01 a.m. Thursday. The decision to end cash tolls was made following a vote by the Galveston County Commissioners Court in April.

The last shift for toll booth workers was scheduled from 2 p.m. to midnight on Wednesday. Commissioner Joe Giusti confirmed that new signage will replace the stop signs at the toll booth, advising motorists to slow down.

Giusti explained that the tolls had already been paid off for decades, making their continuation unnecessary. The bridge, constructed in 1966 to replace a causeway damaged by Hurricane Carla, has been in the spotlight recently due to its deteriorating condition. A December 2023 inspection by the Texas Department of Transportation rated the bridge as being in poor condition, citing cracked concrete and deteriorated beams.

Local officials are seeking federal funding for its replacement, with an estimated total project cost of $104 million. The county hopes to secure a federal grant that would cover 80 percent of the costs.

At the time the tolls were abolished, five workers manned the toll booth. Three have retired, while one has transitioned to a position within the county. Giusti mentioned they are working to accommodate any workers who wish to remain employed.

“The booth will stay in place to house utilities and help prevent oversized vehicles from using the bridge,” Giusti stated. He added that the toll funds, which had previously gone toward payroll and maintenance, have left a $5 million reserve for future repairs until the new bridge is constructed.

It is clear that ending the tolls is expected to have an immediate impact on drivers, who will keep their $2 fare for each crossing.