LITTLE ROCK, AR — Paying to drive is what could be happening on Interstate 40 soon. State transportation leaders want to install toll booths along the stretch of roadway to fund improvements.
The toll road would begin in North Little Rock and stretch all the way to Memphis. Right now, the department is in the process of conducting a feasibility study for the estimated $1 billion dollar project.
“Our total construction program is a little bit over $400 million a year. So with our needs all over the state, having a billion dollars to widen I-40 , its not in the budget,” said Arkansas Highway and Transportation Department Director Scott Bennett.
Not everyone thinks a toll road is a good idea. The Arkansas Trucking Association says increasing the diesel tax by five cents is a better option for transportation leaders.
“We would like to see them perhaps spend their efforts educating the public and help us get an increase in the diesel tax or gas tax,” said Arkansas Trucking Association Vice President Shannon Newton.
However, what will eventually happen is left up to the commission.
