Only Toll in the Region Could Be History - Valley News Live - KVLY/KXJB - Fargo/Grand Forks

For the past 25 years, drivers hoping to get between Fargo and Moorhead, along 12th avenue, were always greeted with a toll, costing cars 75 cents to pass. Come this June, the Moorhead City Council may vote to eliminate the outstanding toll.

 Some try to avoid it. Some don't even know its there. But for Lynn Monge, he wishes it would just go away. "It's not a big deal, but it's principal," says Monge. Since 1988, a toll has been taken to cross the 12th ave. bridge from Fargo to Moorhead. It's the only toll in the entire region, one many say has out paid its stay. "It cuts traffic down, but I'll put up with more traffic," says Monge.

Now when the bridge opened 25 years ago, it had 800,000 cars cross, but since then the numbers have gone down. In 2008, there were 500,000 cars that crossed and in recent years its been lower than that, as most have found alternate routes. "I don't want to pay to cross the river," says Mark Hintermeyer, Moorhead City Council. That's why Hintermeyer says it's time that the privately owned bridge becomes public. "The company had a lease that lasted 25 years and 25 years is up on June 1st," says Hintermeyer. It's up to the city whether or not they take it over come this summer. "We should get the bridge back. It's important for economic development," says Hintermeyer. Hintermeyer says the city attorney is just looking over to see if there is any outstanding costs. For Monge, he says if all of the other bridges are free it's time the one located feet from his house is as well.