A new Wisconsin Department of Transportation study finds tolling the state’s U.S. Interstate highways could raise billions for maintaining the most-traveled thoroughfares, but the $350 to $400 million upfront cost would be borne by motorists and it’s unclear if the federal government would approve the changes. Currently, there are no toll roads in Wisconsin.
The study also finds Gov. Scott Walker’s road-funding plan for the next two years, which holds the line on taxes and fees, would create a transportation funding shortfall of $852 million over the coming decade. Road conditions would worsen “severely” during the decade, according to the study, and planning for road expansions would grind to a halt.
Findings from the study, commissioned by state lawmakers and Walker last year as part of the 2015-17 state budget, were released Wednesday. A day earlier, state Transportation Secretary Mark Gottlieb, with little explanation, announced his resignation effective next month.
