Rich Kirkpatrick, PennDOT spokesman, said the studies are only in the preliminary stages.

"That decision has not been made. It's just some exploratory work looking at the technical aspects of doing that," he said. "As Secretary Biehler said today, there are a lot of questions that need to be answered."

However, the idea of tolling I-80 has been discussed for about 20 years, Kirkpatrick said.

In 1998, the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (TEA-21) created a pilot program in which three states could convert interstates to toll roads. I-80 in Pennsylvania was mentioned specifically in the act, but it would be required to first prove that it could not maintain the road under current financial conditions. TEA-21 expired last year and Congress is currently discussing its reauthorization.

"The federal government has very specific rules about converting interstates to toll roads," Kirkpatrick said.

Financial considerations will play a large role in any decision made regarding tolling I-80.

"As I mentioned, the secretary said there would be a significant cost in creating the toll facilities," Kirkpatrick said.

Biehler said one possibility is to create a series of about 10 tollbooths spread about 30 miles apart, according to The Associated Press.

Justin Styles (senior-business management), who uses I-80 to get to and from Penn State, said he did

not see the necessity in tolling the interstate when the turnpike is already tolled.

But he said he would pay, as long as it were no more than $1 for the entire interstate.

"I mean, if they took care of it, I'd be willing to pay $1," he said.

Phillip Mannarelle (junior-horticulture) uses I-80 to get to and from his hometown of Fairview. He said tolling the road would probably help with the upkeep of the interstate, but he is not in favor of the tolling.

"I think it's a bad idea. For me, it would cost a lot of money, because I go that way all the time," he said. "That's the only way for me to get home."

Kirkpatrick said several other states have been exploring the idea of tolling interstates as well, including Maryland's section of I-81, which crosses part of Pennsylvania.

"It's the kind of idea that is out circulating in other states," he said.