Virginia highway toll - first of many?

RSSIn the US state of Virginia, the Governor Robert McDonnell is suggesting a new toll on Interstate 95 to help pay for road repairs. The highway officials are currently considering the construction of a single toll facility at the North Caroline border. A US$2-4 toll for each user could raise $30-60 million/year. However, it is likely to be 18-24 months before toll collection begins if the proposal is approved. McDonnell has appealed to US Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood to give approval. The move is of note as the rules regarding the implementation of tolls on Interstate highways have been changed recently. The latest rules make it easier for state authorities to consider tolling as a means to pay for highway maintenance and repairs. Texas and Florida are amongst those US states already taking a pro-active approach to tolling and other states seem likely to follow. Industry organisations such as the American Road & Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA) have been suggesting increased use of tolling on the Interstate network for some time. With rises in fuel taxation ruled out due to political sensitivity, tolling is seen as the most effective way of ensuring US highways receive the funds required for maintenance, repairs and improvements. This appeal for a toll may well the first in a series of highway tolling moves in the US to help pay for the huge and growing backlog of repairs and also help tackle increasing congestion in certain areas.