Skip to main content

Virginia highway toll - first of many?

In the US state of Virginia, the Governor Robert McDonnell is suggesting a new toll on Interstate 95 to help pay for road repairs.
February 24, 2012 Read time: 2 mins
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.

Related Content

  • America faces another major highway funding crisis says TCC
    October 3, 2014
    The United State is facing yet another national highway funding crisis as the country’s new fiscal year begins. Despite the fact that October 1 marked the beginning of America’s new financial year, Congress has still not passed or approved the funding for a new long-term surface transportation measure. This is really worrying the 31-member-strong Transportation Construction Coalition (TCC) which is arguing that a “failure to act” will “lead to another self-imposed funding crisis that would undermine vital r
  • 3M is helping finance ARTBA programme
    February 28, 2013
    The American Road & Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA) Foundation’s Lanford Family Highway Worker Memorial Scholarship Programme is to receive a major financial contribution from the 3M Traffic Safety and Security Division. This programme provides post-high school financial assistance to the children of highway workers who have been killed or permanently disabled in the line of duty. The scholarship programme was originally launched in October 1999 through a gift from the families of past ARTBA cha
  • Rajasthan Mega Highways boost trade, tourism
    February 17, 2012
    Rajasthan is one of the most favoured tourist destinations of India for both domestic and international traffic on account of its rich array of historical forts, palaces, art and culture.
  • Concern over condition of US bridges
    July 5, 2019
    A new report from the American Road & Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA), highlighting the poor condition of many US bridges, is nothing less than a national scandal. According to ARTBA’s report, 47,052 US bridges are in poor condition, while 18,842 Interstate highway bridges have identifiable repair needs. The length of America’s structurally deficient bridges if placed end-to-end would span nearly 1,760km, ARTBA’s examination of federal government data shows. The Brooklyn (NY), Arlington M