Debatable -- Should Wisconsin develop a tollway system of its own?

By Journal Times staff

Thursday, December 9, 2004 2:05 AM CST

Interstate tollways are expensive, slow and, well, irritating.

But in Illinois, a series of upgrades to its tollway system are designed to ease congestion and to make it more convenient for regular drivers on the interstate.

With improved technology available, should Wisconsin implement a tollway system?

Illinois' tollway system is being redesigned to encourage drivers to sign-up for an "I-Pass," which allows people to pay tolls without stopping at a booth or gate. Instead, a scanner reads the I-Pass as people drive by and computers deduct the toll from a pre-paid account.

While the I-Pass has been in use in recent years, it will soon be the primary way for people to pay Illinois tolls. Starting on Jan. 1, it will be twice as expensive to pay tolls rather than use an I-Pass. Also, people who don't have an I-Pass will eventually be routed to the side of the Interstate to pay a toll, while I-Pass users will continue straight down the highway.

The changes are expected to make traveling the tollway easier - and eventually remove a major complaint from the system.

But there's still the cost. Wisconsin's highways are free for travelers, though Wisconsin taxpayers pick up the bill because the state is responsible for maintaining the roads.

In the Milwaukee area, an $810 million project to rebuild the Marquette Interchange may be the start of a long-term $6.2 billion project to rebuild all of the intestate highways in southeastern Wisconsin.

The state is responsible for this cost. A tollway system would shift some, possibly all, of this burden to the people who use the roads. In theory, that could lead to a drop in state taxes. People could save even more money if they don't use the tollway, or take alternative routes.

However, people in southeastern Wisconsin could stand to lose support from the rest of the state. Currently, tax dollars from the entire state help to maintain the area's roads. Under a toll system, local drivers could end up paying a greater share to maintain the Interstate.

It's also questionable as to whether a tollway would offset state spending. Instead, the state may use the money elsewhere, leaving residents with the same level of taxes and a fee to use the roads.

But a tollway system would allow Wisconsin to cash in on Illinois drivers who come through the area. As it stands, Wisconsin drivers not only have to pay for their own roads, they have to pay for Illinois' roads every time they drive to Chicago or elsewhere in the Land of Lincoln. A Wisconsin tollway system could result in some payback.

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