Information gathering and analysis to determine the possibility of placing a toll on Interstate 80 across southern Wyoming continues this summer, in accordance with action taken by the Wyoming Legislature. The effort is in response to projected shortfalls in revenue needed to maintain the roadway, which carries steadily increasing traffic.
Study on the concept of tolling on I-80 began last year following authorization by the Legislature’s Joint Transportation, Highways and Military Affairs Interim Committee. The initial phase of work on the concept was concluded last fall with the issuance of an initial feasibility study report by consultant firm PB Americas.
Currently, a typical section of I-80 in Wyoming has a traffic count of about 13,000 vehicles per day, with heavy trucks making up about half of the traffic. During the next three decades, traffic is expected to double, with truck traffic increasing at an even faster rate than passenger vehicle traffic. (By 2037, heavy truck volume alone is projected to approach nearly 16,000 per day.) Meanwhile, estimates show maintaining I-80 in its present condition over the next 30 years would cost more than $6.4 billion, after adjusting for inflation, exceeding the total of revenue expected to be available for maintenance of the entire state highway system, much less I-80. A video presentation summarizes I-80's future and the concept of tolling.
Earlier this year, the full Legislature enacted a measure (Enrolled Act No. 111), requiring additional study to build on the findings of last year’s I-80 tolling feasibility report. The current study, again being performed by PB Americas, is serving to refine the tolling concept, focusing on the possibility of adding another travel lane to I-80 in each direction.
Public outreach and education is a key component of this year’s I-80 tolling study. Accordingly, a series of seven public meetings was conducted between mid-June and mid-July in communities along the I-80 corridor (Cheyenne, Laramie, Rawlins, Rock Springs and Evanston) and also in Casper and Gillette. The events provided the opportunity for WYDOT to gather and understand the concerns of stakeholders and the opportunity to present accurate information to interested parties and also to address rumors and clear up misconceptions. Those who were unable to attend a meeting but still wish to comment may do so by submitting their comments in writing to Tim McDowell, State Programming Engineer, WYDOT, 5300 Bishop Blvd., Cheyenne, WY 82009, or via the Contact WYDOT email form.
As the I-80 tolling study moves forward, construction cost estimates are being developed for the additional travel lanes (including new or reconstructed bridges), as well as right of way acquisitions and utility relocations and adjustments. The study will address scenarios for construction financing, possibly through the use of bonding, and toll amounts for commercial and non-commercial traffic will be estimated.
Other fiscal impacts are being analyzed, including how “toll diversion” (whereby some traffic would use alternate routes to avoid paying a toll) might affect local businesses and state and federal fuel tax receipts, and also the effect of diversion on annual roadway maintenance outlays, including the potential net reduction in wear and tear on I-80 due to reduced traffic.
In addition, the study will provide information pertaining to the available types of tolling technology (to include electronic, automated tolling) and how this technology might be implemented on I-80, and how it might be integrated with types of intelligent transportation system (ITS) technology.
Other objectives of the study include:
- Identify and highlight any safety improvements from adding capacity and instituting tolling;
- Determine probable impacts on law enforcement, including what new resources might be needed by the Highway Patrol;
- Describe the number and location of tolling points needed to optimize revenue while minimizing operational costs and inconvenience to the public;
- Analyze the possible loss of federal funding for interstate construction and maintenance and identify strategies to minimize the loss of this type of funding;
- Provide information on developing a strategy to gain federal approval for tolling, obtain environmental clearances, and resolve possible legal challenges ; and
- Develop draft legislation to cover the creation of the tolling entity, enable financing and clarify how the State might be able to enter into concessions with private entities.
Another goal of the I-80 tolling study will be researching and evaluating the pros and cons of forming a multistate coalition to support tolling in the I-80 corridor. The consultant, with support from WYDOT, will reach out to other state DOTs to provide and gather information on tolling concepts and report on the viability of pursuing public-private partnerships with other states in the I-80 corridor. This portion of the task will result in a stand-alone memorandum for use by WYDOT in decision-making and planning with neighboring states and will not be a major feature of the final report.
The tolling study is scheduled to be completed by Sept. 1. The results will be presented to the Legislature’s Joint Transportation, Highways and Military Affairs Interim Committee for further consideration.
