Indiana considers tolls on interstates as governor seeks federal waiver

LOUISVILLE, Ky (WDRB) - Those orange signs that read “road work ahead” mean the state is spending money on construction — but are they spending enough?

Gov. Mike Braun said maintaining Indiana’s extensive highway system is expensive.

“We happen to have the most miles of interstate per square mile of any state, and those cost a lot,” Braun said.

Drivers like Joe Luszyk, who’s headed north on Interstate 65, know the feeling — literally.

“That’s why we’ve got to go in there and use the restroom,” Luszyk said.

Luszyk and his friend are both from northern Indiana and said they see plenty of orange cones and lane closures.

“They do a lot of road work at the same time,” the friend said.

Indiana drivers help pay for those repairs through gas taxes. But Braun and state lawmakers want out-of-state drivers to help pick up the tab.

“That’s why we filed for a waiver, especially on I-70 — half the use of Interstate 70 is by out-of-staters. They don’t even buy a candy bar,” Braun said.

That federal waiver — a term Hoosiers will likely be hearing more often — would allow the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) to begin setting up tolls on some interstate highways.

Lawmakers approved legislation last year removing the major roadblocks to tolling. Braun said if the Federal Highway Administration approves the waiver, the state won’t need new legislation or feasibility studies to move forward.

“That will free up lots of other money for even more local and state roads,” Braun said. “It’ll give the Crossroads of America a sustained way to keep our interstates in good shape.”

If approved, Indiana could begin tolling parts of I-70 — and possibly other highways — within the next few years.

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