Considering the Feasibility of I-40 Toll Lanes: A Potential Solution to Congestion
ASHEVILLE, NC. (WLOS) — The French Broad River Metropolitan Planning Organization (FBRMPO) is considering a vote on whether to move forward with a study on the feasibility of a 16-mile toll lane for the east and westbound lanes of I-40, a highway notorious for its congestion. The project, which would widen I-40 from Exit 44 at Smokey Park Highway to Exit 27 for Clyde in Haywood County, is estimated to cost around $700 million.
Representatives from the North Carolina Department of Transportation's N.C. Turnpike Authority, which oversees toll projects on state highways, presented the potential project. They explained that improved scoring would move the widening project up on the statewide highway list because toll revenues would largely cover infrastructure costs. This scoring system evaluates projects based on cost, and if leaders green-light the toll lane, it would be prioritized accordingly.
The idea of express toll lanes is not new, as Charlotte and Raleigh already have toll lanes and expressways. However, the proposal is not without controversy. Woodfin Mayor Jim McCallister is opposed to the I-40 proposal, arguing that it creates a divide between those who can afford to pay a toll to get down the road faster and those who cannot. He believes it separates the haves from the have-nots.
Despite the skepticism, the FBRMPO leaders have long considered the I-40 lane widening project due to congestion in both directions, especially during crashes. The route is heavily traveled by truckers coming from South Carolina on I-26 and I-40, often causing backups when there are wrecks. The organization aims to address this issue and improve the overall traffic flow.
The project's potential benefits include decreased accidents and highway congestion, as reported in other states that have installed tolls. However, some drivers have differing opinions. Mike Cummings, who lives in Hayesville, believes that toll lanes can reduce traffic in areas like the Atlanta region. On the other hand, Terry Hackman from Illinois mentions that the presence of tolls in Chicago seems to slow down traffic.
The FBRMPO staff mentioned that the discussion and potentially a vote on whether to move forward with the second phase of the study could happen at their next meeting. Any project to widen I-40 with express toll lanes could take more than five years to complete, with estimates suggesting a completion date in the mid-2030s. Drivers in other parts of the state that use toll lanes can use a pre-payment system, which would be similar if the project were implemented on I-40.
