Feasibility Study Examines Potential Tolling Impact
(Image courtesy of Kentucky and Indiana Bridges.)
Subscriber Benefit
As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowA feasibility study focusing on the potential impact of tolling on Indiana interstates has been released by the Indiana Department of Transportation. It addresses potential tolling along I-64, I-65, I-69, I-70, I-74 and I-94 and was created as a result of the long-term road funding plan approved earlier this year by the Indiana General Assembly. INDOT says the purpose of the study is to determine options for an anticipated decrease in revenue from fuel tax because of improved fuel efficiency.
The study suggests tolling revenue between 2021 and 2050 is 85 percent likely to exceed $39 billion and 50 percent likely to take in more than $53 billion. It broke down five suggested tolling scenarios that "best balanced revenue and mobility." The total cost for cars using these potential routes ranges from $1.80 along I-94 from state line-to-state line to $7.38 along I-64 from state line-to-state line. Gary to Indianapolis along I-65 would cost $6.12, I-69 between Indianapolis and Fort Wayne would cost $4.20, I-70 from Indianapolis to the Illinois state line would be $3.24 and I-74 between Indianapolis and the Ohio state line would be $3.36.
The costs estimates, INDOT says, would not include the technology needed for electronic collections, which the study suggests would run into the hundreds of millions of dollars. Other figures include a potential 271 jobs created statewide. The feasibility study, linked below, also attempted to answer issues that would be raised as a result of tolling: