Pocono News Section

People Sound Off Against I-80 Tolls

People Sound Off Against I-80 Tolls - Thursday, October 18, 2007 at 6:37PM EST

Thursday, Oct 18, 2007 @06:37pm EST

PENNDOT and the Turnpike Commission are finalizing a deal- that could pump millions of dollars into road repairs.

They would like to put tolls on interstate 80.

While it's being consider, some people are speaking out against that idea...

News of a proposed toll on interstate 80 doesn't sit well with truck drivers here at Petro stopping center in Avoca.

"not a good idea," says truck driver Mark Swafford.

Swafford drives i-80 several times a week, and says toll money would come out of his pocket.

"a lot of people can't afford to pay it. Especially the independent drivers like myself."

But the Pennsylvania turnpike commission says new tolls would improve i-80 and other state roads.

The turnpike's new i-80 lease, which was signed on Tuesday, says toll money would be used only to repair roads and bridges.

To some, that sounds like a good idea.

"if they're going to use that money to fix the roads, then yes, i agree with that. But as soon as they fix the roads, then take the tolls out," says truck driver Mike Sneed.

Others don't want the tolls built at all.

Truck driver Mike Van Sickle says its' unfair, because i-80 is the easiest way across the state.

"there's no other way across pennsylvania to western pennsylvania, and now they'll put a toll road in. You already got the other toll road and now you're going to put 80 on a toll road? No," says Van Sickle.

Van Sickle, and other truck drivers here say if tolls are installed, they could use alternate routes.

The turnpike commission will hold a series of public meetings along the i-80 corridor-

You can find detailed information about this project on our website, pahomepage-dot-com or by going to www.paturnpike.com/i-80.