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A milestone has been reached as the Atlantic City Expressway moves toward all-electronic tolling.

Last week, the South Jersey Transportation Authority successfully installed the inaugural overhead tolling gantry — the first of 10 set to for installation across the 44-mile roadway.

The overhead systems will use advanced technology to collect tolls electronically – eliminating the need for drivers to stop or slow down. Instead, E-ZPass transponders or license plate billing tolls will collect the fees.

The SJTA says the design of the gantries aims to blend safety, accuracy and functionality. The installations use all-weather, high-precision sensors, cameras and detection systems.

Additionally, SJTA says that the new gantry marks the most visible advancement yet of its system-wide modernization effort.

“This is a historic moment for the SJTA and for all those who rely on the Atlantic City Expressway,” said SJTA Executive Director Stephen Dougherty. “The installation of our first overhead gantry signals more than construction progress – it symbolizes our commitment to providing a faster, safer, and more reliable experience for every driver.”

In the coming months, crews will continue to install the additional gantries. The SJTA says it expects the conversion to all-electronic tolling to go live in the fourth quarter of this year.