6/15/10-A bill has died that sought to enable the state’s Highways and Transportation Commission to fund, build and operate toll roads and bridges, specifically, on Interstate 70 between Kansas City and St. Louis.
Sponsored by Sen. Matt Bartle, R-Lee’s Summit, SB585 called for truckers and other drivers to pay $5 to drive the length of the highway in the state.
Adding tolls to I-70 is contingent upon the approval of an amendment to the Missouri Constitution.
The state’s constitution currently prohibits the use of state funds to build toll roads. Changing the constitution would require a public vote after legislative approval.
Even if approved by voters, there would still be obstacles to overcome.
For state-run roads, there could be legislation on specific projects to make use of the tolling authority. But for interstates, it’s more complex.
Federal law prohibits enacting tolls on interstates that are now toll-free; however, a state can ask the Federal Highway Administration to toll an interstate as a pilot project.

1/29/10-A bill in the Senate Transportation Committee would enable the state’s Highways and Transportation Commission to fund, build and operate toll roads and bridges, specifically, on Interstate 70 between Kansas City and St. Louis.
Sponsored by Sen. Matt Bartle, R-Lee’s Summit, SB585 calls for truckers and other drivers to pay $5 to drive the length of the highway in the state.
Adding tolls to I-70 is contingent upon the approval of an amendment to the Missouri Constitution.
The state’s constitution currently prohibits the use of state funds to build toll roads. Changing the constitution would require a public vote after legislative approval.
Even if approved by voters, there would still be obstacles to overcome.
For state-run roads, there could be legislation on specific projects to make use of the tolling authority. But for interstates, it’s more complex.
Federal law prohibits enacting tolls on interstates that are now toll-free; however, a state can ask the Federal Highway Administration to toll an interstate as a pilot project.
For Senate bill status, call 800-877-5982.

12/4/09-Sen. Matt Bartle, R-Lee’s Summit, has filed legislation that would enable the state’s Highways and Transportation Commission to fund, build and operate toll roads and bridges, specifically, on Interstate 70 between Kansas City and St. Louis.
SB585 calls for truckers and other drivers to pay $5 to drive the length of the highway in the state.
Adding tolls to I-70 is contingent upon the approval of an amendment to the Missouri Constitution.
The state’s constitution currently prohibits the use of state funds to build toll roads. Changing the constitution would require a public vote after legislative approval.
Even if approved by voters, there would still be obstacles to overcome.
For state-run roads, there could be legislation on specific projects to make use of the tolling authority. But for interstates, it’s more complex.
Federal law prohibits enacting tolls on interstates that are now toll-free; however, a state can ask the Federal Highway Administration to toll an interstate as a pilot project.
The bill is awaiting assignment to committee for consideration during the session that begins Jan. 6. For Senate bill status, call 800-877-5982.