Mo. senator files proposal to allow tolls on I-70

A central Missouri lawmaker has filed legislation that would allow Interstate 70 to be turned into a toll road.

The measure would allow the state Department of Transportation to contract with a private company to fix I-70 in exchange for being allowed to charge tolls. Sponsoring Sen. Mike Kehoe, a Republican from Jefferson City, says that is the only way the state can afford the improvements the highway needs to accommodate increasing traffic.

Transportation Department Director Kevin Keith has said that traffic could grind I-70 into a "graveled parking lot" within 15 years without additional funding to make repairs.

Several lawmakers have voiced opposition to putting tolls on I-70. They say tolls could harm Missouri's drivers and the trucking industry.