Indiana Highways May See New Tolls Under New Law

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — A bill allowing for new tolls on Indiana highways was signed into law by Gov. Mike Braun last week. The legislation, known as House Bill 1461, aims to facilitate the collection of tolls to address the state’s urgent infrastructure funding needs.

The new law comes as road spending is expected to surpass revenue from the state’s infrastructure funds over the next decade. Currently, only sections of Interstate 90 are tolled in Indiana, covering cities like Gary, South Bend, and Elkhart.

Supporters of the bill argue that additional tolls are necessary to maintain and repair the state’s highways. The measure lifts restrictions on where tolls can be placed and eliminates the requirement for feasibility studies to be conducted beforehand by the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT).

Under the new framework, a larger portion of toll revenues will be allocated to INDOT rather than local governments. This comes after a 2017 law had already granted INDOT the authority to seek federal toll approvals without requiring legislative consent, a power unused during former Gov. Eric Holcomb‘s administration.

Gov. Braun has emphasized his willingness to implement tolls as a solution for funding. Speaking at a recent Munster Chamber of Commerce luncheon, he outlined the need for tolling, stating, “When you’re the crossroads of America… it’s going to have to be considered because, otherwise, I don’t think we can maintain our main arteries.”

Interstate 70, which connects Indianapolis and Columbus, along with other heavily used routes, may see negotiations for tolling in the near future. The law offers the potential for expanded toll collection across all Indiana interstate highways, positioning the state to address long-term funding challenges in transportation.