In 2007, the Tennessee General Assembly passed the Tennessee Tollway Act. The new law authorized the Tennessee Department of Transportation to develop two pilot tolling projects: one bridge and one roadway, but are Tennesseans ready for tolling?

First, let me address why tolling may be necessary. As is true nationwide, TDOT is faced with the issue of need greatly outweighing available revenue. Consider this: While Tennessee’s transportation revenues have grown at a rate of 1% annually for the past several years, transportation related construction prices increased 10.5% annually over the past four years.

TDOT currently funds road projects on a pay-as-you go system, which means we build projects when we have the funds available for them. This system has served us well for the past several decades, but it’s clear we must consider alternate financing methods if we are to maintain a quality transportation system. Tolling is one alternative being considered. Let me stress it is not a magic solution to a long term problem, but tolling can work in a limited number of cases and can be used to fill in financial gaps and get needed projects delivered much more quickly than under the traditional approach.

In 2009, TDOT will make recommendations to the legislature and the Governor as to which pilot toll projects, if any, should be pursued. The Governor and the General Assembly will have final approval authority. In the past year, several local, state and regional groups have approached TDOT with possible toll projects. We are now in the process of conducting feasibility studies on each project to determine whether it is viable as a tolled facility. Projects under consideration include four bridges: they are located in the Memphis area, northern Hamilton County, Benton/Houston Counties, and the Nashville area; and two roadway projects, SR 374 in Montgomery County and the Knoxville Parkway.

It’s important to remember that with any project, no existing facilities will be tolled; any toll facility must have a non-toll alternate route for motorists to take; and most importantly, any proposed toll facility must have strong local support.

So will tolling work for Tennessee? We’re working to find out. On July 10, TDOT began a series of meetings across the state to discuss the concept of toll roads and bridges with the public. These meetings were held in Memphis, Nashville and Knoxville. We have also begun public meetings to discuss the specific projects already mentioned. We hope to conclude our public input phase by early fall.

This is your opportunity to tell us whether tolling is worth pursuing. You can express your views by emailing the department at TDOT.Comments@state.tn.us or send us your written comments to: Project Comments, Tennessee Department of Transportation, 700 James K. Polk Building, 505 Deaderick Street, Nashville, Tn., 37243-0332.