I-80 Tolling Study

Five JBS members from Evanston attended a recent meeting hosted by WYDOT to get public input on the possibility of imposing a toll on I-80. Apparently the state legislature is looking at tolling as a way to generate income to cover the costs of maintaining I-80 as well as funds to add a third lane both directions.

The meeting started with a short video presentation and power point slides to educate the audience about the amount of traffic on I-80, the damage done per vehicle and semi trucks, the costs related to its upkeep, and funding sources. The majority of the meeting was a question and answer session.

It was a very well attended meeting with the majority of those commenting in opposition to tolling. There have been other meetings like it held in Wyoming communities along I-80. Hopefully you have been able to attend one in your area.

I went because I am concerned about what has happened in other parts of the country where toll roads have been sold/or leased to foreign countries/businesses to manage. I don't want that to happen here. I did pose this question to the panel and although I did not get a definitive answer as to whether or not the legislature is looking at the possibility of a similar concession, a member of the panel did acknowledge that this has happened in other areas, but has not proved to be beneficial to either party.

If you would like to learn more about this tolling study and would like to add your comments to the report that will be given to the legislature you can visit http://dot.state.wy.u... you can also ask questions by email or by writing to: Timothy McDowell, WYDOT Planning Program, 5300 Bishop Blvd., Cheyenne, WY 82009-3340

This is from the WYDOT I-80 Tolling Study FAQ webpage:

What is a toll road concession and is this being considered for I-80?
A toll road concession is when the owner of a toll road leases it to a private operator, usually in exchange for an up-front payment (examples include the Chicago Skyway, Indiana Toll Road, and the Northwest Parkway near Denver). A concession approach is NOT being considered for I-80 in Wyoming. Current expectations are that all operations and maintenance of the roadway would be retained by WYDOT, if tolling were implemented.

Still I think it would be good to stay on top of this issue and make certain our legislators know that we are NOT in favor of any concession (especially to any foreign interest) of I-80 through Wyoming.

More information on Public Private Partnerships and Consessions can be found in the actual study on (approx.) pages 32-38.

Is the toll for all users of the Interstate or is it a toll exclusively for semi trucks? I have heard both. At any rate, this is wonderful, we get to pay taxes to supply the WYDOT with a budget and then pay a toll on top of it. Why is it that the budget suddenly isn't big enough and why do we need a 3rd lane? I drive I-80 all the time and 2 lanes is plenty.

This reminds me of the post office. We pay taxes to support the post office, its buildings, workers and vehicles and then when we actually want to use the service we are already paying for through our taxes, we have to buy stamps (waiting in line and being treated poorly in the process!) Government is swell.

TWO MORE MEETINGS SCHEDULED

I-80 Tolling Study Open House-Public Meeting Schedule
The Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) invites the public to attend an open house and public meeting about the concept of instituting a toll on Interstate 80 across southern Wyoming.

Casper: 5 p.m., Wednesday, July 15 - Parkway Plaza (Natrona Room), 123 West E Street

Gillette: 5 p.m., Thursday, July 16 - Best Western Towers Lodge, 109 North Highway 14-16

The I-80 Tolling Study is being conducted at the request of the Wyoming Legislature, in response to projected shortfalls in revenue needed to maintain I-80 in the face of steadily increasing traffic. The open house-public meeting is an opportunity to learn about the tolling study and provide input as part of the information gathering and planning process. WYDOT representatives will be on hand to present information and answer questions, and interested parties may attend at their convenience.

Doors will open at 5 p.m., with an overview about he I-80 tolling study to be presented at 5:30 p.m., followed by questions from the public and open discussion. The overview will be repeated at 6:30 p.m., followed by another question and discussion session. Comment forms will be provided. Those wo are unable to attend but wish to comment may do so by submitting their comments to Tim McDowell, State Programming Engineer, WYDOT, 5300 Bishop Blvd., Cheyenne, WY 82009, or via the Contact WYDOT email function. For those who would require special accommodations to attend, please contact Jeff Goetz (Casper meeting) at (307) 473-3303; or Ronda Holwell (Gillette meeting) at (307) 674-2356 to make arrangements.

Eric, As I understand it the state legislature is trying to prepare for the expected increase in I-80 traffic, especially the semis as they do more damage to the road. In the study they have a graph to show the various sources of funding. I don't remember all the details, but there has been less money overall and the state legislature has had to contribute more to make up for the shortfall. Nothing is finalized yet.