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Commissioners warn I-40 widening could carry toll lanes; board says it opposes tolls but wants project
Summary
Commissioners said a DOT study for widening I-40 between mile markers near 27 and 44 toward Asheville may include express toll lanes to fund construction. Commissioners urged residents to contact them before an MPO vote and said they prefer the project without tolls but want the widening for economic and safety reasons.
Commissioners told the board they and Commissioner Brandon (referred to in discussion) sit on the Asheville Metropolitan Planning Organization and have been tracking a DOT study that could widen I-40 from around Exit 27 toward Asheville. The county chair said the study "are maybe proposing that we do... as we widen the interstate that there may be tolls" and noted that toll lanes would operate alongside existing free lanes.
Several commissioners said they oppose tolls as a general principle but signaled support for widening to ease commutes and support local economic activity, especially after the mill closure increased travel between Haywood and Buncombe counties. Commissioner (speaker 3) said, "I personally don't like tolls no more than I like taxes," but added that express lanes can be a practical funding mechanism if alternatives are unavailable.
Commissioners discussed that DOT revenue shortfalls — attributed in part to a prior lawsuit and reduced gas-tax receipts from electric vehicles — have constrained project funding, leading officials to consider tolling as a funding option. They encouraged residents to contact commissioners ahead of an MPO vote scheduled later in the week and said they would press legislators and federal contacts to prioritize funding without tolls if possible.
