Could toll roads be in the Albuquerque area's future? (Rio Rancho: taxes, prices)

[Andros 1337]

With the growth of population occuring in the Albuquerque Metropolitan Area, I was wondering, could toll roads be in the area's future?

If the Albuquerque area were to get a new expressway, tolls would be the most efficient way to fund it. If the Albuquerque area were to get a new Interstate highway, on the other hand, we would have to pay heavy federal taxes regardless whether we use it or not.

What I envision for a new expressway is a 3/4 beltway around Albuquerque, starting in Rio Rancho, going west and then south intersecting with I-40, then going east near Los Lunas intersecting with I-25, then going through the Manzano Mountains with a set of tunnels, and ending at I-40 near Edgewood. There would be three main toll barriers, and several ramp tolls.

The tollbooths should support pre-paid RFID tags for those who use the expressway frequently, and the main toll barriers would feature two left full-speed lanes for those who have the RFID tags.

So, does anyone have an opinion on this?

[rybert]

No thanks.

[desert sun]

just say no to tolls

[Andros 1337]

Originally Posted by desert sun

just say no to tolls

So, are you telling me you rather pay hefty federal taxes for a new Interstate highway regardless whether you use it or not?

I just don't understand why so many people are against toll roads for no valid reason. Tolls are the most economical way to fund new highways. I am not suggesting adding tolls to existing highways in the area, however, if a new expressway is built, how would we fund it if it weren't for tolls?

[Poncho_NM]

Originally Posted by Andros 1337

I just don't understand why so many people are against toll roads for no valid reason.

No valid reason?

1. Your idea of a set of tunnels going through the Manzano Mountains. - Property rights, easements etc. What will this set of tunnels cost?

2. If the Albuquerque area were to get a new expressway, tolls would be the most efficient way to fund it. - You are just guessing it would be the most efficient way to fund it.

Andros have you ever driven up the East Coast through New Jersey and the toll booths?


Rich

[Andros 1337]

Originally Posted by Poncho_NM

No valid reason?


2. If the Albuquerque area were to get a new expressway, tolls would be the most efficient way to fund it. - You are just guessing it would be the most efficient way to fund it.

Andros have you ever driven up the East Coast through New Jersey and the toll booths?


Rich

Well, as I said, if a new Interstate highway were to be built, then we would have to pay hefty federal taxes (which would probably cost more than twice as much as paying a toll), regardless whether we use it or not.

And yes, I have been on several toll roads on the East Coast, including the New Jersey Turnpike. I have also been on some toll roads in Orlando, Florida and in Puerto Rico.

What I am trying to say is that as the population area grows, I-25, I-40, and Paseo Del Norte will simply not be enough to handle the increased population. We will need some sort of beltway. Even if the segment from Los Lunas to Edgewood through the Manzano Mountains wasn't included, it would still provide a convenient route for residents of Rio Rancho and Los Lunas to bypass the Big I. The fact is, the most efficient and economical way to fund any new expressway would be through tolls.

[Tim Rankin]

Originally Posted by Poncho_NM

Andros have you ever driven up the East Coast through New Jersey and the toll booths?

And also DC. The Dulles toll road keeps raising prices to generate cash flow. They've even started charging in places that were supposed to be free of tolls. And the $3+ they charge for the Dulles Greenway is a ripoff, considering how severely backed-up that road can get.

A western bypass for Albuq may eventually work, but there's no reason it can't be plain old I-325 vs. a toll road.

Blasting holes into the Sandias to get to Edgewood seems expensive & unnecessary, IMO.

[Andros 1337]

Originally Posted by Tim Rankin

And also DC. The Dulles toll road keeps raising prices to generate cash flow. They've even started charging in places that were supposed to be free of tolls. And the $3+ they charge for the Dulles Greenway is a ripoff, considering how severely backed-up that road can get.

A western bypass for Albuq may eventually work, but there's no reason it can't be plain old I-325 vs. a toll road.

Blasting holes into the Sandias to get to Edgewood seems expensive & unnecessary, IMO.

Remember that Interstate highways are federally funded, and if a new Interstate were to be built, we would have to pay hefty federal taxes.

Also, Interstate beltways normally have an even first digit (i.e. I-225, I-425, etc.). An odd first digit (such as your I-325 example) usually indicates a spur route.

[Zoidberg]

The only possibility I see for toll roads are for toll bridges across the Rio Grande.

Specifically, between Southern/Meadowlark on the west side and Roy/Tramway on the east side.

Second, even more distant, possibility is Arenal on the west side and Woodward/Sunport on the east side.

Someday there may be some SW beltway loop, but no one would pay to take it.

Interstate drivers are like Bugs Bunny. They usually go straight through Albuquerque, not making a left toyn.

[desert sun]

Originally Posted by Andros 1337

So, are you telling me you rather pay hefty federal taxes for a new Interstate highway regardless whether you use it or not?

I just don't understand why so many people are against toll roads for no valid reason. Tolls are the most economical way to fund new highways. I am not suggesting adding tolls to existing highways in the area, however, if a new expressway is built, how would we fund it if it weren't for tolls?

we wont fund it cause it will probably never get built, our roads will remain behind the times and I dont care for toll roads, if you wanna pay a toll go to Dallas.