INDIANAPOLIS — A strategic plan that could clear the way for Indiana to add tolls to its interstate highways, including inside the I-465 loop in Indianapolis, is being developed by a state contractor.

The state just signed a $9.6 million contract with HNTB Indiana Inc. to study the impact of tolling and provide project planning if the state chooses to move forward with tolling

The administration of Gov. Eric Holcomb is required to study tolling under the road-funding plan lawmakers passed in 2017 but hasn’t officially decided to impose the fees on motorists.

Under the law, Holcomb also is permitted to draft a strategic plan “if the governor determines that tolling is the best means of achieving major interstate system improvements in Indiana.”

Despite the move to craft a strategic plan, the governor hasn’t made a decision regarding tolling, said spokeswoman Stephanie Wilson..

“He wanted more information to make an informed decision and will use the strategic plan due Dec. 1 as a basis for that,” Wilson said. “If after reviewing the plan the governor determines that tolling is not the best option, the state won’t move forward with the remainder of the contract.”

The contract with HNTB lays out specific requirements for the consultant if the state chooses to add tolling. For example, HNTB would be required to assist with project start-up for tolls in the Indianapolis Metropolitan Planning Area, which includes Indianapolis and portions of nearly all of the bordering counties.

Source: IndyStar