In the ongoing debate over whether and how to develop a long-term plan for Michigan’s roads, a common proposal from some is to establish a toll system on I-94 as part of an overall strategy. Living in southwest Michigan, residents are perhaps more familiar with a toll system given our proximity to Indiana and Illinois.

Given that our three closest neighbor states have some sort of interstate toll system and their roads arguably are in better condition than ours, it is fair to consider such a plan for Michigan. But, as with anything, there are pros and cons for such a setup.

Toll roads are considered beneficial in that they rely on a usage-based funding mechanism. Vehicles are charged per use, and the more one drives on such a road, the more a driver pays. The result is a seemingly one-to-one association of road wear to funds generated. Additionally, a toll system can help alleviate traffic congestion, though perhaps to a lesser extent.

However, toll roads are not a panacea. In communities that are closer to a toll road, there can be a disproportionately higher cost for local residents who would likely be required to use a toll road more often. And for drivers who seek alternate routes, those non-tolled roads would likely see increased use and traffic congestion, adding stress that may not otherwise occur.

Beyond those points, there are other obstacles, including and primarily from the federal government. Current federal policy prohibits existing interstates from being converted into toll roads except for when they are a part of a federal pilot project. Michigan is not currently involved in any federal tolling pilot projects, though it could be. Notably, there are five bridge crossings in the state that charge tolls.

Lastly, a common argument against toll roads in Michigan is because our state is not a part of the nation’s so-called east-west corridor. Not having a toll system is seen as beneficial to commerce, tourism and overall economic development.

The Michigan Department of Transportation produced an informative document that provides a more in-depth explanation for why Michigan doesn’t have toll roads. It can be viewed online at michigan.gov/documents/mdot/MDOT_Toll_Roads_Brochure_548788_7.pdf.

I appreciate your comments and ideas, and I will continue to be engaged as discussions proceed on developing a long-term solution to road funding in our state.