Indiana Notes

[monty]

Check out this article from IndyStar:

Indiana lawmakers clear the path for new toll roads, higher speed limits on I-465. What to know

https://www.indystar.com/story/news/politics/2025/04/18/indiana-toll-roads-gov-mike-braun-speed-limit-i-465/83141224007/

Bill increases speed limit on I 465 to 65 mph and opens the door for tolling to help subsidize a diminishing highway budget. 

[The Ghostbuster]

If there is one road I wouldn't be surprised if they added tolls to is the segment of Interstate 69 between Evansville and Indianapolis. After all, the roadway was originally proposed to be a toll road. Also, the new Interstate 69 Ohio River Bridge will be tolled, so tolling the rest of 69 doesn't seem far-fetched to me.

[Molandfreak]

Check out this article from IndyStar:

Indiana lawmakers clear the path for new toll roads, higher speed limits on I-465. What to know

https://www.indystar.com/story/news/politics/2025/04/18/indiana-toll-roads-gov-mike-braun-speed-limit-i-465/83141224007/

Bill increases speed limit on I 465 to 65 mph and opens the door for tolling to help subsidize a diminishing highway budget. 

I can't see that working very well since the only toll-free alternates signed in Indy would be I-65 and I-70.

[jnewkirk77]

Check out this article from IndyStar:

Indiana lawmakers clear the path for new toll roads, higher speed limits on I-465. What to know

https://www.indystar.com/story/news/politics/2025/04/18/indiana-toll-roads-gov-mike-braun-speed-limit-i-465/83141224007/

Bill increases speed limit on I 465 to 65 mph and opens the door for tolling to help subsidize a diminishing highway budget. 

I can't see that working very well since the only toll-free alternates signed in Indy would be I-65 and I-70.

I-65 and 70 would likely be tolled as well. It isn't just allowing tolls on 465.

[Great Lakes Roads]

Check out this article from IndyStar:

Indiana lawmakers clear the path for new toll roads, higher speed limits on I-465. What to know

https://www.indystar.com/story/news/politics/2025/04/18/indiana-toll-roads-gov-mike-braun-speed-limit-i-465/83141224007/

Bill increases speed limit on I 465 to 65 mph and opens the door for tolling to help subsidize a diminishing highway budget. 

I can't see that working very well since the only toll-free alternates signed in Indy would be I-65 and I-70.

I-65 and 70 would likely be tolled as well. It isn't just allowing tolls on 465.

Interstates that will most likely to get tolled within the state:
I-65, I-70, and I-94

[Molandfreak]

Check out this article from IndyStar:

Indiana lawmakers clear the path for new toll roads, higher speed limits on I-465. What to know

https://www.indystar.com/story/news/politics/2025/04/18/indiana-toll-roads-gov-mike-braun-speed-limit-i-465/83141224007/

Bill increases speed limit on I 465 to 65 mph and opens the door for tolling to help subsidize a diminishing highway budget. 

I can't see that working very well since the only toll-free alternates signed in Indy would be I-65 and I-70.

I-65 and 70 would likely be tolled as well. It isn't just allowing tolls on 465.

Interstates that will most likely to get tolled within the state:
I-65, I-70, and I-94

Even worse, that means no signposted free alternate for I-65 from Indy to Lebanon, unless they commission business routes within I-465.

[silverback1065]

no one uses 69 to evansville yet to generate any relevant money. toll 65 and 70 first.

[Plutonic Panda]

Hopefully, they reverse course and ban tolling any new roads before this crap happens. It's hard for me to believe there's posters on here suggesting toll this road and that one.

[silverback1065]

Hopefully, they recourse verse and ban tolling any new roads before this crap happens. It's hard for me to believe there's posters on here suggesting toll this road and that one.

It's the only logical solution to the road funding problem. The feds won't raise the gas tax and eventually that won't matter because most cars will become electric. Tolling them and making sure the money is used ONLY for the road that is tolled is the best solution to the problem. Whether you like it or not they will get the money from the public to pay for it, either as a toll or another raise in taxes.

[Molandfreak]

Hopefully, they recourse verse and ban tolling any new roads before this crap happens. It's hard for me to believe there's posters on here suggesting toll this road and that one.

It's the only logical solution to the road funding problem. The feds won't raise the gas tax and eventually that won't matter because most cars will become electric. Tolling them and making sure the money is used ONLY for the road that is tolled is the best solution to the problem. Whether you like it or not they will get the money from the public to pay for it, either as a toll or another raise in taxes.

How will they solve the problem of the lack of signed parallel routes to the interstates in Indy?

[NWI_Irish96]

Hopefully, they recourse verse and ban tolling any new roads before this crap happens. It's hard for me to believe there's posters on here suggesting toll this road and that one.

It's the only logical solution to the road funding problem. The feds won't raise the gas tax and eventually that won't matter because most cars will become electric. Tolling them and making sure the money is used ONLY for the road that is tolled is the best solution to the problem. Whether you like it or not they will get the money from the public to pay for it, either as a toll or another raise in taxes.

How will they solve the problem of the lack of signed parallel routes to the interstates in Indy?

I'm thinking if they do end up tolling the interstates, there wouldn't be tolls on or inside 465.

[silverback1065]

Hopefully, they recourse verse and ban tolling any new roads before this crap happens. It's hard for me to believe there's posters on here suggesting toll this road and that one.

It's the only logical solution to the road funding problem. The feds won't raise the gas tax and eventually that won't matter because most cars will become electric. Tolling them and making sure the money is used ONLY for the road that is tolled is the best solution to the problem. Whether you like it or not they will get the money from the public to pay for it, either as a toll or another raise in taxes.

How will they solve the problem of the lack of signed parallel routes to the interstates in Indy?

I'm thinking if they do end up tolling the interstates, there wouldn't be tolls on or inside 465.

Correct, the legislature has always stated 465 and 65 and 70 inside 465 would remain free. I don't think this bill changes that.

[Fixed quote. -S.]

[ilpt4u]

If Indiana is tolling existing interstates, wouldn't the Borman be the hands-down $$$maker?

[Great Lakes Roads]

If Indiana is tolling existing interstates, wouldn't the Borman be the hands-down $$$maker?

Yes, and make sure that we toll Illinois drivers heading into Michigan for that cheap w33d! 

[NWI_Irish96]

If Indiana is tolling existing interstates, wouldn't the Borman be the hands-down $$$maker?

Yes, and make sure that we toll Illinois drivers heading into Michigan for that cheap w33d! 

Is it that much cheaper in Michigan than in Illinois?

[Great Lakes Roads]

If Indiana is tolling existing interstates, wouldn't the Borman be the hands-down $$$maker?

Yes, and make sure that we toll Illinois drivers heading into Michigan for that cheap w33d! 

Is it that much cheaper in Michigan than in Illinois?

From what I heard, yes.

On an unrelated note...

JASPER COUNTY, Ind. - I-65 southbound is currently closed near mile marker 230 (south of State Road 2, north of State Road 10) due to a semi fire and hazmat cleanup.

All traffic is being diverted to State Road 2. Be advised that State Road 55 is currently closed south of State Road 2 for unrelated bridge construction. Detour options are State Road 2, U.S. 41 and State Road 10 or State Road 2, U.S. 231 and State Road 10.

INDOT will need to evaluate the road to determine what repairs are needed before reopening. There is not currently a timeline for reopening the roadway, but updates will be provided as they become available. I-65 northbound remains open to traffic.

[silverback1065]

the bill raising the speed limit on 465 has been sent to the governor's desk!

[ITB]

Earlier today around 2 pm, a semi reportedly hauling petroleum exploded and burned on I-65 near Roselawn in Jasper County. The southbound lanes of I-65 near the incident will be closed for an indeterminate amount of time. The driver, according to reports, was uninjured.

Update: Emergency repairs to the southbound lanes are now underway. The asphalt repair is expected to complete by 4 am Tuesday. The semi was transporting paint cans, not petroleum as initially reported. According to ISP, red-hot brakes caused the fire. Photos of the fire's aftermath and initial clean up and repairs can be found here.

Welp, I just noticed the news about this incident was posted earlier. I should have checked. Normally, I'd remove the post but I'll leave it up because of the video and the link to the photos in the update.

[ITB]

Indiana can easily and fairly toll the interstates within its borders. The solution is to toll vehicles as they come into the state. The toll should be a one-time fee, which after being paid, allows unlimited travel on Indiana's roads. The toll facilities, positioned just inside the state line, should be placed on all the interstates as well as other major roads, such as US 31.

It wouldn't be a perfect system, as there needs to be a mechanism of sorts to accommodate commuters who frequently travel between states, for work, etc. But that's doable, whether it be exemptions or a lower toll. It's important to bear in mind the tolling goal — perhaps better termed a usage fee — is to produce revenue from vehicles both passing through the state or coming into the state and using the road system. Freight hauling trucks will, of course, face the heaviest burden.

[Molandfreak]

Indiana can easily and fairly toll the interstates within its borders. The solution is to toll vehicles as they come into the state. The toll should be a one-time fee, which after being paid, allows unlimited travel on Indiana's roads. The toll facilities, positioned just inside the state line, should be placed on all the interstates as well as other major roads, such as US 31.

It wouldn't be a perfect system, as there needs to be a mechanism of sorts to accommodate commuters who frequently travel between states, for work, etc. But that's doable, whether it be exemptions or a lower toll. It's important to bear in mind the tolling goal — perhaps better termed a usage fee — is to produce revenue from vehicles both passing through the state or coming into the state and using the road system. Freight hauling trucks will, of course, face the heaviest burden.

Seems like a recipe for disaster. What happens with plates from jurisdictions that require replacing them every few years, even on the same car? And if that plate number is reassigned to a new vehicle? Do folks with vanity plates just pay once and that's good for however many vehicles that plate is assigned for in the future?

[ITB]

Indiana can easily and fairly toll the interstates within its borders. The solution is to toll vehicles as they come into the state. The toll should be a one-time fee, which after being paid, allows unlimited travel on Indiana's roads. The toll facilities, positioned just inside the state line, should be placed on all the interstates as well as other major roads, such as US 31.

It wouldn't be a perfect system, as there needs to be a mechanism of sorts to accommodate commuters who frequently travel between states, for work, etc. But that's doable, whether it be exemptions or a lower toll. It's important to bear in mind the tolling goal — perhaps better termed a usage fee — is to produce revenue from vehicles both passing through the state or coming into the state and using the road system. Freight hauling trucks will, of course, face the heaviest burden.

Seems like a recipe for disaster. What happens with plates from jurisdictions that require replacing them every few years, even on the same car? And if that plate number is reassigned to a new vehicle? Do folks with vanity plates just pay once and that's good for however many vehicles that plate is assigned for in the future?

The tolling of interstates in Indiana is likely coming. Ideas are needed. I put forth one, a suggestion which you deem non-workable. But how different is my idea from other tolling operations, which now primarily rely on the E-ZPass collection system. I'm open to hearing all suggestions. Do you have one? By the way, if a plate is reassigned to another vehicle the person or entity listed on that vehicle's registration becomes responsible for all forthcoming toll fees. What's new about that? The DMV isn't going to reassign a plate if it has outstanding unpaid tolls. Am I missing something here?

[ITB]

Came across a legal summary on what can happen if someone doesn't pay their tolls in Indiana. It's worth a read, if only to understand what steps can be taken regarding unpaid toll balances. The lesson to be learned is simple: It's going to catch up with you, one way or another, so pay them tolls!

[Rothman]

Indiana can easily and fairly toll the interstates within its borders. The solution is to toll vehicles as they come into the state. The toll should be a one-time fee, which after being paid, allows unlimited travel on Indiana's roads. The toll facilities, positioned just inside the state line, should be placed on all the interstates as well as other major roads, such as US 31.

It wouldn't be a perfect system, as there needs to be a mechanism of sorts to accommodate commuters who frequently travel between states, for work, etc. But that's doable, whether it be exemptions or a lower toll. It's important to bear in mind the tolling goal — perhaps better termed a usage fee — is to produce revenue from vehicles both passing through the state or coming into the state and using the road system. Freight hauling trucks will, of course, face the heaviest burden.

Seems like a recipe for disaster. What happens with plates from jurisdictions that require replacing them every few years, even on the same car? And if that plate number is reassigned to a new vehicle? Do folks with vanity plates just pay once and that's good for however many vehicles that plate is assigned for in the future?

The tolling of interstates in Indiana is likely coming. Ideas are needed. I put forth one, a suggestion which you deem non-workable.

Sounds like an exaggeration of the importance of ideas expressed on this forum.

[ITB]

Indiana can easily and fairly toll the interstates within its borders. The solution is to toll vehicles as they come into the state. The toll should be a one-time fee, which after being paid, allows unlimited travel on Indiana's roads. The toll facilities, positioned just inside the state line, should be placed on all the interstates as well as other major roads, such as US 31.

It wouldn't be a perfect system, as there needs to be a mechanism of sorts to accommodate commuters who frequently travel between states, for work, etc. But that's doable, whether it be exemptions or a lower toll. It's important to bear in mind the tolling goal — perhaps better termed a usage fee — is to produce revenue from vehicles both passing through the state or coming into the state and using the road system. Freight hauling trucks will, of course, face the heaviest burden.

Seems like a recipe for disaster. What happens with plates from jurisdictions that require replacing them every few years, even on the same car? And if that plate number is reassigned to a new vehicle? Do folks with vanity plates just pay once and that's good for however many vehicles that plate is assigned for in the future?

The tolling of interstates in Indiana is likely coming. Ideas are needed. I put forth one, a suggestion which you deem non-workable.

Sounds like an exaggeration of the importance of ideas expressed on this forum.

Hey, did I say my idea was important? I imagine if we poked through your 18,000-plus posts we'd find an idea or two, or a few dozen, that you posited.

[Rothman]

Indiana can easily and fairly toll the interstates within its borders. The solution is to toll vehicles as they come into the state. The toll should be a one-time fee, which after being paid, allows unlimited travel on Indiana's roads. The toll facilities, positioned just inside the state line, should be placed on all the interstates as well as other major roads, such as US 31.

It wouldn't be a perfect system, as there needs to be a mechanism of sorts to accommodate commuters who frequently travel between states, for work, etc. But that's doable, whether it be exemptions or a lower toll. It's important to bear in mind the tolling goal — perhaps better termed a usage fee — is to produce revenue from vehicles both passing through the state or coming into the state and using the road system. Freight hauling trucks will, of course, face the heaviest burden.

Seems like a recipe for disaster. What happens with plates from jurisdictions that require replacing them every few years, even on the same car? And if that plate number is reassigned to a new vehicle? Do folks with vanity plates just pay once and that's good for however many vehicles that plate is assigned for in the future?

The tolling of interstates in Indiana is likely coming. Ideas are needed. I put forth one, a suggestion which you deem non-workable.

Sounds like an exaggeration of the importance of ideas expressed on this forum.

Hey, did I say my idea was important? I imagine if we poked through your 18,000-plus posts we'd find an idea or two, or a few dozen, that you posited.

Eh, maybe.  I tend to post more about how DOTs really work, how federal funding works, and bringing feasibility to others' ideas rather than coming up with fictional ideas on my own.