The Kansas Turnpike Authority has approved a toll increase effective February 1, 2013.

The cash rates for cars and light trucks will increase an average of 10 percent.

Rates for K-TAG users will increase an average of 5 percent.

Drivers of large commercial vehicles will pay about 5 percent more, whether they pay cash or use the electronic K-TAG.

The increase will assist in supporting future capital needs and ongoing deck replacements on some of KTA’s 348 bridges.

The Kansas Turnpike Authority was created by the legislature in 1953 and authorized to privately finance building the Kansas Turnpike.

The roadway is 236-miles long, stretches from Oklahoma to Kansas City, and connects Wichita, Topeka and Kansas City.

No tax dollars are used to maintain the turnpike.