The Wyoming Department of Transportation is considering placing a toll on Interstate 80 across southern Wyoming due to a shortfall of revenue needed to maintain the highway.
The state is working on a study to determine the viability of the venture, which should be completed by Sept. 1.

The tolls would hit truckers pretty hard, as trucks make up about half of the highway's traffic and truck traffic on the route is expected to more than double over the next three decades, according to the department. To maintain the highway at its condition for the next three decades, the state would have to shell out $6.4 billion.

The state hired consultant firm Parsons Brinckerhoff to conduct the first phase of the study last year, which found that toll rates for trucks could be up to $116, while cars would pay up to $9.50. In 2010, this would add up to toll revenues of about $180 million, according to the report.

The Parsons study recommended the state look into truck-only toll lanes and tolling of all traffic on the existing capacity. While the study discouraged adding lanes from a financial standpoint, the state is still considering it.

The current study, being conducted this summer, will calculate cost estimates for additional lanes as well as toll amounts for commercial and non-commercial traffic. The state will also consider how toll diversion would impact local businesses and state and federal fuel tax receipts.

For more information on the tolling study, visit dot.state.wy.us/wydot/site/wydot/I-80_tolling_study.