I-80 Tolls Sought, Again

The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission Thursday evening re-filed its application to the Federal Highway Administration to implement tolls on Interstate 80.

The re-application follows visits earlier this month from the Federal Bureau of Investigation to the Turnpike's offices regarding possible illegal activity related to a road-widening project.

The PTC said that it asked the FBI for assistance in investigating any potential wrongdoing.

The project in question will expand the turnpike in the Valley Forge area in southeastern Pennsylvania to six lanes from four.

The project also includes bridge replacements and improvements to storm-water management facilities and drainage, according to the PTC's Web site.

The FHWA in September 2008 denied the Turnpike's request to begin tolling the 311-mile Interstate 80, saying the commission's use of the toll revenue does not meet legal requirements.

I-80 runs east-west through the center of the state.

Under Act 44, the PTC gives yearly payments to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation.

The payments will decrease by $450 million in fiscal 2011 if the Turnpike cannot toll I-80.

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Transportation industry Pennsylvania
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