INDIANA — Newly released application documents show that Indiana officials are seeking federal approval to add tolls to the full length of Interstate 70 across the state, with large trucks facing a rate of 54 cents per mile — totaling $84.25 to travel I-70 from state line to state line.

The Indiana Department of Transportation submitted the application to the federal government last fall as part of a pilot program that would use toll revenue to reconstruct and widen I-70 from four to at least six lanes for its entire length in Indiana. The tolling system would run from state line to state line using open road tolling, allowing drivers to pay electronically. Passenger vehicles would be charged 10 cents per mile under the proposal. Drivers who do not wish to pay the toll would have the option of using alternate routes such as U.S. 40.

INDOT cited severe congestion on I-70 as the primary driver behind the proposal, noting that freight movement by truck is being hampered in several parts of the state. "Reconstructing and rehabilitating I-70 for the current and future needs of both Indiana's and the nation's industrial and manufacturing base is critically necessary. This analysis demonstrates that the facility cannot be improved to meet current and future needs of Hoosiers, interstate travelers and businesses that rely on this asset without toll revenues," INDOT said in the application documents.

The authority to implement the pilot program was granted under House Enrolled Act 1461, signed into law on May 1, 2025. As of March 9, Governor Mike Braun said there has been no response from the Federal Highway Administration on the proposal.

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