11 Most Expensive Toll Roads in America

Published on June 27, 2015 at 8:33 am by Aleksandar Jevtic in Lists

If you want to avoid bruising your wallet, these are 11 most expensive toll roads in America you need to avoid. Although the alternatives may be longer or less convenient, the savings just may be worth it.

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The history of toll roads in the Unites States dates back to 1790, when the first private road was built in Pennsylvania, Philadelphia and Lancaster Turnpike. The term turnpike, often used in the East US, comes from pikes that were you used to bar the passage on the road until the toll was paid. Once the development of the West Coast started in the 19^th century, there was an explosion of the private toll roads, connecting various emerging towns and cities, especially in California and Nevada.

Between two world wars surge in car numbers led to the construction of parkways across the country. The access to these roads wasn’t strictly controlled, which led to the decline in toll collection. In 1930, Germans started building Autobahns, using techniques and standards never before implemented in road construction. American engineers quickly followed suit and in 1940 created the Pennsylvania Turnpike, first modern highway in the United States. Soon, modern roads were being constructed all over the US, funded by revived toll collection.

When Interstate Highway System was introduced in the 1950s, it seemed that toll days are over, as federal regulation forbade toll collection on the roads built with federal money. However, this position was abandoned in the 1970s and states were free again to introduce tolls to fund road construction and maintenance. Despite huge network of tolls booths and the substantial amount of money that is collected through them, US still failed to make it onto the list of the 11 countries with the best roads in the world. To be quite honest though, United States do have the most extensive road network in the world and keeping it in order requires vast quantities of money.

Not all states collect tolls on roads, bridges, and tunnels. In fact, only 26 of them do. The majority of states that don’t have any tolls are located in the West part of the country. These states fund their road programs by fuel taxes.

Let’s see which expensive toll roads should best be kept away from your itinerary when you are planning your next trip.

11. Chicago to Philadelphia

Cost per mile: 9.5 cents

We kick off with a route that consists of several toll roads, including Illinois Tollway and the Indiana, Ohio and Pennsylvania Turnpikes. Driving along this 760 miles route will set you back $72.65.

10. New Jersey Turnpike

Cost per mile: 11.4 cents

122 miles on one of the most famous turnpikes in the country will cost you 11.4 cents per mile on average, depending on the billing system.

9. Florida State Road 417

Cost per mile: 14.3 cents

This very popular 54-mile stretch of road among the tourists will set you back $7.75.

8. Triangle Expressway

Cost per mile: 14.5 cents

Triangle Expressway connects Raleigh and Durham, shortening the trip to just 19 miles.

7. Texas State Highway 130

Cost per mile: 14.6 cents

Texas State Highway 130 is 41 miles long, connecting Austin and San Antonio. This road has the highest speed limit in the United States. The speed comes at a cost, though.