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Turnpike tolls in western Mass. set to return soon

BOSTON (AP) - Tolls on the Massachusetts Turnpike's first six interchanges are set to return beginning this fall.

On Oct. 15, passenger car drivers will again be charged the tolls which were eliminated in 1996 by former Gov. William Weld.

The cost of the tolls will be the same as in 1996. They will cover Interchange 1 connecting to West Stockbridge through Interchange 6 connecting to Springfield and Interstate-291.

The requirement to again begin charging the tolls was included in a state transportation financing package.

State transportation officials are holding two public hearings before the tolls are reinstated.

The first is scheduled for Sept. 10 at Lee High School. The second is set for Sept. 12 at the Mass Mutual Center in Springfield.

The restoration of the tolls is expected to generate about $12 million in revenue annually.