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Indiana could make billions by tolling six major interstates, but what will it cost you?

State could see up to $53B between 2021 - 2050
Posted at 6:39 PM, Nov 02, 2017
and last updated 2017-11-03 10:01:22-04

INDIANAPOLIS -- It’s a hot topic lately – the possibility of tolls being placed on several Indiana interstates. A study released this week shows which interstates they would most likely be implemented on, how much revenue they would generate and how much it would cost the average driver. 

The report, done by an outside consulting firm, details the revenue and implications of tolling on six of Indiana’s major interstates: I-64, I-65, I-69, I-70, I-74 and I-94. 

It was presented to the governor, the budget committee and the legislative council on Wednesday.

The study shows the state could see anywhere between $39 billion and $53 billion in revenue between 2021 and 2050 if tolling was implemented on all six interstates.

READ | Indiana eyes tolling possibilities on several interstates

The report is based on electronic toll collection and would function like the tolling on I-65 between Indiana and Louisville – with tolling gantries and cameras that would capture transponder and license plate information. Payments would be made electronically or by mail.

The study also assumes that most drivers would have a toll transponder tied to an electronic account.

The study did not estimate tolling revenue for any part of I-465, which had been initially included in the list of possible tolling locations.

READ | Indiana senator wants to block tolling on I-465

One example shows a toll covering the 105-mile route on I-69 between Ft. Wayne and Indianapolis would cost an automobile driver $4.20 if they had a transponder.

See other toll cost examples below.

The overall tolling revenue on I-69 could range from $8.4 billion to $11 billion in the 29-year period.

“Actual toll revenues, if such a program is pursued, will depend on future traffic volumes and on the details of how Indiana implements the program,” the report said.

The report assumes the following revenue outcomes for the six major interstates between 2021 and 2050:

I-65 (261 miles)

I-69 (301 miles)

I-70 (153 miles)

I-74 (151 miles)

I-94 (45 miles)

I-64 (124 miles)

The estimates in the report are presented in “constant 2017 dollars” and are not adjusted to reflect future inflation.

The report did not take into consideration the following costs:

  • Construction of tolling gantries: INDOT estimates roughly 370 gantries will be needed if the program is rolled out statewide and each would cost around $1 million.
  • Production & maintenance: Collection costs generally range from 7 to 13 percent of toll revenue.
  • Insurance: Insurance for a statewide tolling program is estimated to cost around $1.3 million each year.

If INDOT decides to move forward with a tolling plan, it will need to deliver a strategic plan to the state budget committee by December 2018. MORE TOP STORIES | Man shot, killed in Indy Kroger, suspect arrested and charged with murder | Franklin teen critically injured in crash with semi dies | MAP: Where are the sex offenders near you? | Former UIndy standout basketball player identified as victim of freak crash on I-65 | Home Tour: Restored mid-century modern for $549K

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