Kansas Turnpike tolls to climb in 2013

Get ready to dig a little deeper when you’re using the Kansas Turnpike next year.

Turnpike fares are jumping an average of 10 percent for cars and light trucks and 5 percent for large commercial vehicles, turnpike spokeswoman Lisa Callahan said in a prepared statement.

Motorists who use K-TAG will see rates rise 5 percent.

The increase will help pay for the ongoing deck replacements on some of the Turnpike’s 348 bridges, Callahan said.

Travelers can save up to 30 percent on tolls by getting a K-TAG, depending on which payment option is chosen, she said. K-TAGs can be purchased at staffed exit lanes, AAA offices in Kansas, The Merc in Lawrence, Leavenworth County Annex in Tonganoxie, and online at www.myktag.com.