8/14/06-Gov. Mike Easley signed a bill into law Aug. 10 that authorizes the North Carolina Turnpike Authority to toll certain roadways in the state.
Until now, the authority’s power has been restricted to planning new highways and bridges. Previously, the state prohibited adding tolls to roads already built.
The bill was sent to the governor’s desk after a legislative conference committee made up of select members from the state’s House and Senate reached agreement on provisions in the bill – SB1381 – in the waning hours of the regular session that ended July 28.
The new law allows up to six potential toll roads to be built. For additional projects, direct legislative approval is required prior to construction.
The authority now has the green light to place toll booths on a segment of Interstate 540 under construction near Raleigh. The three-mile segment – which is slated to open in 2007 – stretches from Interstate 40 southwest to state Route 55.
All 12 mayors in Wake County will have to agree to place tolls along the stretch of roadway.
If given the final go-ahead, toll revenues will be used to help pay for the construction of the outer beltway in Wake and Durham counties or to impose tolls on existing free roads if they connect to an existing or planned toll road.
Proposed toll projects that could be built and operated by the turnpike authority are:

• Cape Fear Skyway, a proposed bridge and road connecting Wilmington to Brunswick County;
• • Monroe Connector between the U.S. 74 bypass in Union County and Interstate 485;
• • Gaston East-West Connector, which would connect Interstate 85 west of Gastonia and I-485 in Mecklenburg County;
• • Triangle Parkway, which would go through Research Parkway;
• • A proposed bridge connecting mainland Currituck County to the northern Outer Banks.

8/1/06-The Legislature has approved a bill that would authorize the state Turnpike Authority to toll certain roadways in the state.
Until now, the authority’s charge has been restricted to planning new highways and bridges. Existing state law prohibits adding tolls to roads already built.
A conference committee made up of select members from the House and Senate reached agreement on provisions in the bill – SB1381 – in the waning hours of the regular session that ended early Friday, July 28, to allow up to six potential toll roads to be built. The plan requires direct legislative approval prior to construction for additional projects.
The bill that is awaiting Gov. Mike Easley’s signature would allow the turnpike authority to place toll booths on a segment of Interstate 540 under construction near Raleigh. The three-mile segment stretches from Interstate 40 southwest to state Route 55.
Mayors in Wake County would get the final say on the project.
Toll revenues would be used to help pay for the construction of the outer beltway in Wake and Durham counties or to impose tolls on existing free roads if they connect to an existing or planned toll road.
Proposed toll projects that could be built and operated by the turnpike authority are the Cape Fear Skyway, a proposed bridge and road connecting Wilmington to Brunswick County; the Monroe Connector between the U.S. 74 bypass in Union County and Interstate 485; the Gaston East-West Connector, which would connect Interstate 85 west of Gastonia and I-485 in Mecklenburg County; the Triangle Parkway, which would go through Research Parkway; and a proposed bridge connecting mainland Currituck County to the northern Outer Banks.
For bill status, call (919) 733-7779 or (919) 733-7778.

7/20/06-A bill in a House-Senate conference committee would authorize the North Carolina Turnpike Authority to toll a segment of Interstate 540 under construction near Raleigh.
Until now, the authority’s charge has been restricted to planning new highways and bridges. Existing state law prohibits adding tolls to roads already built.
The House amended the bill to allow the turnpike authority to place toll booths on the outer beltway in Wake and Durham counties. The segment stretches from Interstate 40 southwest to state Route 55.
Toll revenues would help pay for that segment’s construction or to impose tolls on existing free roads if they connect to an existing or planned toll road.
SB1381 was returned to the Senate Wednesday, July 19, where lawmakers chose to send it to a conference committee made up of select members from the House and Senate. If they can reach agreement on the bill it would head to Gov. Mike Easley’s desk.
For bill status, call (919) 733-7779 or (919) 733-7778.

7/19/06-The House approved an amended version of a bill Tuesday, July 18, that would authorize the North Carolina Turnpike Authority to toll a segment of Interstate 540 under construction near Raleigh.
Until now, the authority’s charge has been restricted to planning new highways and bridges. Existing state law prohibits adding tolls to roads already built.
Sponsored by Sen. Clark Jenkins, D-Tarboro, SB1381 would allow the turnpike authority to place toll booths on the outer beltway in Wake and Durham counties. The segment stretches from Interstate 40 southwest to state Route 55.
Toll revenues would help pay for that segment’s construction or for a “contiguous” toll road.
The bill now returns to the Senate were lawmakers must sign off on changes. If approved there, it would head to Gov. Mike Easley’s desk.
For bill status, call (919) 733-7779 or (919) 733-7778.

7/14/06-The House Transportation Committee approved a bill July 13 that would authorize the North Carolina Turnpike Authority to toll a segment of Interstate 540 under construction in Wake and Durham counties, and extending from Interstate 40 southwest to state Route 55.
The bill was amended in committee from authorizing the turnpike authority to add tolls on highways “contiguous” with toll roads. The only requirement for switching over the free roads would have been that the change was needed to make the toll road financially feasible.
Until now, the authority’s charge has been restricted to planning new highways and bridges. Existing state law prohibits adding tolls to roads already built.
Sponsored by Sen. Clark Jenkins, D-Tarboro, SB1381 has been forwarded to the House floor for consideration. If approved there, it would head back to the Senate for consideration of the amendments made in the House.
For bill status, call (919) 733-7779 or (919) 733-7778.

7/12/06-The Senate voted 47-1 to approve a bill that would let the North Carolina Turnpike Authority charge truck drivers and others on highways “contiguous” with toll roads. The only requirement for switching over the free roads would be that the change is needed to make the toll road financially feasible.
Until now, the authority’s charge has been restricted to planning new highways and bridges. Existing state law prohibits adding tolls to roads already built.
Sponsored by Sen. Clark Jenkins, D-Tarboro, SB1381 would change that. It has been forwarded to the House Transportation Committee.
For bill status, call (919) 733-7779 or (919) 733-7778.
An identical House bill – HB1828 – is in the Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House Committee.