How does the current I-80 Tolling Study compare to the 2005 I-80 Tolling Study?

In February 2005, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) with the assistance of Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission (PTC) staff completed an I-80 Tolling Study. Although the study determined I-80 tolling to be financially feasible, the resulting recommendation at the time was not to pursue tolling.

Today, with the highway industry feeling the financial stress of growing inflation, declining Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT), a weakening Federal Highway Trust Fund, and the emerging Pennsylvania bridge crisis, the PTC and PennDOT have been tasked with implementing Act 44 of 2007. This legislation includes the authority to pursue I-80 tolling. To do so, the PTC in cooperation with PennDOT would be required to seek approval from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) as part of its Interstate System Reconstruction and Rehabilitation Pilot (ISRRP) Program.

The PTC and PennDOT have been able to develop a superior plan to toll I-80 that addresses many of the initial concerns associated with the 2005 Tolling Study and offers many substantial improvements. Ultimately, providing a plan that can be implemented faster, anticipates $250 million per year in planned improvements, includes approval from the state legislature and reduces costs.