Is it finally time for a toll on Interstate 80 in Wyoming?A study last year, authorized by the Wyoming Legislature, looked at the feasibility of instituting a toll. Drivers in Wyoming currently are lucky to travel well-maintained roads throughout the state. However, a projected increase in traffic over the next three decades, coupled with a highway-maintenance revenue shortfall, could lead to deteriorating roadways.Of particular concern is I-80, which runs 400 miles through southern Wyoming. Enter the consideration of making up the shortfall by way of a toll.The Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) pegs the current number of vehicles traveling I-80 at around 13,000 per day. Heavy trucks account for half that traffic. WYDOT estimates that traffic on I-80 will double over the next 30 years, with truck traffic increasing at a faster rate than passenger cars, bringing the total number of big rigs on Wyoming's section of I-80 to nearly 16,000 a day. According to WYDOT, it will cost $6.4 billion to maintain I-80 in its current condition during that time period. Herein lies the problem: That figure exceeds the projected revenue for maintenance of the entire state highway system. A supplemental legislative study now is under way with a scheduled completion date of Sept. 1, 2009. In conjunction, WYDOT this summer is holding public meetings in various Wyoming communities to discuss a toll on I-80. One thing already is clear: Heavy trucks give I-80 a beating. According to WYDOT spokesman Cody Beers, the wear and tear put on a highway by a single truck is equivalent to that of 400 cars.While a toll would be felt by any of us who travel I-80, the bulk of the fee would be paid by over-the-road truckers using the highway in the name of commerce. It clearly would take some time for Wyoming drivers — not used to toll roads — to adjust, but drivers in many other states consider tolls commonplace. They either pay the fee or find another route. To comment on the issue, visit the WYDOT Web site at www.dot.state.wy.us/wydot/. We'll watch as the debate unfolds. When revenue for highway maintenance fails to keep pace with increasing traffic, a toll on I-80 may well be the best way to keep Wyoming's roads in good shape.

Is it finally time for a toll on Interstate 80 in Wyoming?

A study last year, authorized by the Wyoming Legislature, looked at the feasibility of instituting a toll.

Drivers in Wyoming currently are lucky to travel well-maintained roads throughout the state. However, a projected increase in traffic over the next three decades, coupled with a highway-maintenance revenue shortfall, could lead to deteriorating roadways.

Of particular concern is I-80, which runs 400 miles through southern Wyoming. Enter the consideration of making up the shortfall by way of a toll.

The Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) pegs the current number of vehicles traveling I-80 at around 13,000 per day. Heavy trucks account for half that traffic. WYDOT estimates that traffic on I-80 will double over the next 30 years, with truck traffic increasing at a faster rate than passenger cars, bringing the total number of big rigs on Wyoming's section of I-80 to nearly 16,000 a day.

According to WYDOT, it will cost $6.4 billion to maintain I-80 in its current condition during that time period. Herein lies the problem: That figure exceeds the projected revenue for maintenance of the entire state highway system.

A supplemental legislative study now is under way with a scheduled completion date of Sept. 1, 2009. In conjunction, WYDOT this summer is holding public meetings in various Wyoming communities to discuss a toll on I-80.

One thing already is clear: Heavy trucks give I-80 a beating. According to WYDOT spokesman Cody Beers, the wear and tear put on a highway by a single truck is equivalent to that of 400 cars.

While a toll would be felt by any of us who travel I-80, the bulk of the fee would be paid by over-the-road truckers using the highway in the name of commerce. It clearly would take some time for Wyoming drivers — not used to toll roads — to adjust, but drivers in many other states consider tolls commonplace. They either pay the fee or find another route.

To comment on the issue, visit the WYDOT Web site at www.dot.state.wy.us/wydot/. We'll watch as the debate unfolds.

When revenue for highway maintenance fails to keep pace with increasing traffic, a toll on I-80 may well be the best way to keep Wyoming's roads in good shape.