The Indiana Department of Transportation has hired a contractor to research and create a plan for possible statewide interstate tolls.  The research is mandated by the long-term road funding package passed in 2017.

INDOT spokesperson Scott Manning says contractor HNTB Indiana Incorporated will look at options for all-electronic tolling, the current condition of Indiana’s interstate system, and potential construction plans.

“They will be at a high level researching how a statewide, interstate tolling plan could work.”

Manning says the strategic plan the firm will create will help guide lawmakers, but it isn’t supposed to make recommendations for future action.  INDOT is required to give lawmakers a strategic plan by December 1.

There is some debate over whether highways passing through Indianapolis should be tolled.  A bill to block toll roads near the city’s center failed to get a vote last session.