FHWA denies Pennsylvania application to toll I-80

The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has denied an application submitted by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) and Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission to toll Interstate 80, saying that it did not meet legal requirements for the correct use of toll revenue.

Under the terms of the proposal, PennDOT would transfer control of I-80 to the Turnpike Commission and make payments, which FHWA concluded could not be considered legitimate operating costs, since the application did not include information that justified the proposed amount for the annual toll payment or established that the level was based on an objective market valuation.

“Tolling interstates is a viable option for many states to fund highway improvements or to improve performance conditions,” Highway Administrator Tom Madison said. “Because we are legally bound to ensure applications for this program meet all congressionally mandated requirements, however, we are regrettably unable to approve this application.”