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County, BNSF discuss repeated toll charges and accessibility concerns at Fort Madison bridge

Hancock County Highway, Road, and Bridge Committee · February 26, 2026

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Summary

At a Feb. 26 Hancock County highway meeting, BNSF said it implemented new toll‑reader software and issued refunds after customers were charged multiple times at the Fort Madison bridge; the railroad will return March 30 with an update and suggested a possible extension arm for readers to help drivers who cannot leave their vehicles.

Hancock County officials raised accessibility and billing concerns at the Fort Madison toll bridge during the Feb. 26 Highway, Road and Bridge meeting, after the committee heard reports that some drivers were charged more than once and in some cases had to exit their vehicles for cards to be read.

Peter Skosey of BNSF Railroad, joining by Zoom, told the committee the railroad "implemented new software for the card readers" and that the company had "refunded those that were overcharged," according to the minutes. Skosey said "there may be the ability to put an extension arm on the card reader," which would allow drivers to pay without leaving their vehicles.

Committee members voiced particular concern about older drivers and people who do not have bank‑issued cards; the minutes note a discussion that some drivers without bank accounts may obtain prepaid cards at retail outlets such as Walmart to use the reader system. Members also discussed tight clearances for BNSF trucks on the bridge and how heavy vehicles navigate the span.

Skosey is scheduled to return to the committee via Zoom on March 30 to provide a status update. The committee did not take formal action at the Feb. 26 meeting but flagged the issue for follow‑up and monitoring.