General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: White House opens door to tolls on interstate highways, removing long-standing prohibition. [View all]wercal
(1,370 posts)Because we currently have tolled interstates in Kansas. As far as I know, they have been tolled since they were built in the 1950's. (I-335, Part of I-35, and Part of I-70).
Pros: Roads are in very good condition, and recently lanes were added - all paid by tolls.
Cons: Part of the interstate loop that goes around Topeka is a tolled road. In my opinion, over the years it has economically damaged that part of town. People don't want to get up on the toll road for a few miles, and then pay 50 cents to get off of it. So, when the new mall was built....it didn't go next to the toll road, new movie theater...same, new mega home improvement store, new apartments, new residential subdivisions - you name it, and they mostly go in on the other side of town. There are other factors, but I believe the toll interstate is one of them.
Personally, I live a thousand feet from this toll road (Kansas Turnpike). If I could hop on it to get to work, my 22 minute drive would be cut in half. There are thousands of people in the same situation. But we can't hop on, because there is no entrance. The turnpike authority has done several studies, but can't economically justify building the toll booths to give me and entrance. Now this is an interstate highway...so close to me that I hear it at night...but I have to travel 25 miles in either direction to use it. Its a big downside.