Raleigh, N.C. — Lifting the state's gas-tax cap and increasing vehicle registration fees are two of a number of options on the table to help generate $1 billion in funding over the next 10 years for state roads.
Another option the General Assembly could consider when it receives recommendations from the North Carolina 21st Century Transportation Committee next month is putting tolls on some of the state's major highways, including Interstates 95, 77, 40 and 85.
Earlier this week, the committee discussed a border-to-border toll on I-95 to support 180 miles of widening by an additional two lanes in each direction. The cost would be about $6 billion.
"No one can see $6 billion flowing into the transportation coffers in the short-term," said Brad Wilson, who chairs the committee. "So, that leads us to the conclusion that tolling must seriously be considered."
Tolls on I-77 from the South Carolina border to I-40 in Statesville would bring more than $1 billion to widen the roadway to two lanes in each direction.
And funds generated from tolls on other highways would go only for improvements on those highways.
Wilson said Triangle motorists would not necessarily feel the impact on their highways, because the tolls would be located at the state line to capture out-of-state motorists.
Some in-state drivers are cautiously open to the idea.
"Well, basically, I don't like toll roads, but that would be a way of letting the people who use it pay for it," said motorist Don Ledford.
The state, however, must get permission from the federal government before charging interstate drivers.
I-95 is the only interstate that has received approval for tolls.
North Carolina could open its first toll road as early as 2011. The Triangle Expressway would connect the Durham Freeway with the existing part of N.C. 540, then extend 540 to Holly Springs.
Alert
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Breaking News: U.S. Highway 401 in Franklin County is closed Thursday evening between N.C. Highway 98 and Tarboro Road due to a wreck. At least one person was seriously injured and airlifted from the scene.
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Just In: A pedestrian was struck by a vehicle at Duraleigh and Pleasant Valley roads in Raleigh Thursday evening. All eastbound lanes on Duraleigh Road are closed, police said. Expect delays in the area.
More toll roads in N.C.'s future?
- Reporter: Bruce Mildwurf
- Photographer: Geof Levine
- Web Editor: Kelly Gardner
RELATED TOPICS: Holly Springs, Durham
Copyright 2011 by Capitol Broadcasting Company. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
20 Comments
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November 10, 2008 12:27 p.m.
Also, not sure waiting on Obama's infrastructure plan will do much good as there is just no way the Feds can find the kind of money talked about here for every state. I am sure they can fix or replace some bridges here and there, but not replace every state highway dept.
November 10, 2008 10:48 a.m.
But it doesn't matter what you do to a quarter when you need fifty cents! To maintain the roads and build the roads that the public asks for, more money is needed. Sure, there are mistakes that happen, but this happens in every business. When is the last time you bought something, and had to return it because it didn't work? Are some due to bad leadership, sure. But you can't continue to sell something for $5 when it costs $10! More revenue is needed. But I hate tolls too. Adds overhead.
November 10, 2008 10:10 a.m.
November 7, 2008 8:44 p.m.
November 7, 2008 8:26 p.m.