State Thruway officials are denying media reports that say drivers statewide might be paying the price to help finance the new Tappan Zee Bridge.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo and Thruway Authority officials have insisted that tolls along the New York State Thruway will not be raised to help pay for the new Tappan Zee Bridge. However, according to various media reports, documents sent to Washington reveal that the Thruway Authority plans to finance the bridge by "system-wide revenues collected on the Thruway system."

State officials say their stance on tolls has not changed. "The Thruway Authority will ensure that any future toll increase on the bridge is dedicated to paying for the new bridge and other regional transportation projects. We have consistently said there will be no system-wide toll increase to support the New NY Bridge project," says Thruway Authority Executive Director Tom Madison.

Construction on the new $3.9 billion bridge is fully underway, but Thruway Authority officials have still not released a detailed financial plan for the project. They've only said it will be paid for with bond sales and revenue from future toll increases on the new bridge.

The current toll on the span is $5, and there have been reports that indicate it might go up as much as $13 once the new bridge is built. Some residents tell News 12 they fear the bridge tolls will be way too high. "We are going to have to come up with a different way to get to the other side. We're going to have to swim," says Anna Choy-kee, of Tarrytown.