Are our roads getting worse?
We just finished our 4,000+ mile snowbird annual adventure, which left us feeling like our roads and interstates are worse than ever. It doesn't look like our government is able to keep up at all wit...
Forum Discussion
gbopp wrote:Ralph Cramden wrote:
450M is chump change and would build about 10-12 miles of new 4 lane highway if you were lucky on flat terrain with no bridges or interchanges.
I agree, 450 million will not go very far building roads. Repairing roads is a different story.
My point was, the PTC is required to generate 450 million for PennDot before it can do anything for the turnpike.
I also agree the PTC needs to be abolished.
The PA Turnpike is expensive, however the bulk of the over $1 billion dollar revenue goes toward operating cost - Administrative cost is approx. $378 Million. One current large expense is expanding the complete length of the turnpike to three lanes.
My point is that operating an interstate highway is expensive and I don't believe PA Dept of Transportation could do any better. Some have argued to privatize the PTC but that rarely works unless there is competition. Toll cost for an automobile the entire length of the Turnpike is $55 cash and $40 EZpass, 80,000 lb truck $355 cash and $255 EZpass.
Toll roads are expensive but those who use such roads pay the cost (not Grandma that only drives to church once a week). Personally I would like to see all interstate roads tolled. However, would like to see the toll based more on total weight rather than just the number of axles.
PA Turnpike Operating Budget
PA Turnpike 2017 Financial Report
