November 11, 2008 Pike drivers may be sparing extra change Play video

(NECN: Latoyia Edwards, Boston, Mass.) - There are winners and there are losers with Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick's new turnpike proposal.

Gov. Deval Patrick plans to dismantle the agency and dramatically change the toll structure on the highway.

Officials say the plan calls for folding turnpike operations west of Route 128 into the state highway department and operations east of Route 128 into Massport.

The plan would likely lead to higher tolls inside Route 128 to pay off debt associated with the Big Dig. But toll booths outside Route 128 would be eliminated -- except for those near the New York and Connecticut borders.

Portions of the plan would require legislative approval. House Speaker Sal DiMasi is predicting broad support from lawmakers, saying he believes "something drastic needs to be done."

*Material from the Associated Press used in this report*