A heavy backlash against a toll road in Georgia spurs several innovative compromises.
"The consortium of highway builders who sparked public outrage when they proposed turning Ga. 316 into a toll road said Tuesday they are reworking their plan to scale back costs to commuters.
But they no longer plan to fund a $1 billion upgrade by charging every driver $4.70 to drive between Athens and Lawrenceville. Instead, the group is considering a variety of proposals they hope might be more palatable to the motoring public.
Among them, unveiled at a Tuesday presentation to business leaders at the Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce:
Optional toll lanes for drivers who would pay to get out of traffic jams in otherwise free lanes on the 39-mile highway.
Unspecified discounts for frequent toll payers and variable peak travel-time fares.
Free use of the toll lanes by some drivers, such as University of Georgia students.
"We're trying to see if we can come up with a project that is reasonable, feasible, workable and financeable," said Bill Berry, vice president of operations for Washington Group International."
Thanks to Brenda Meyer
FULL STORY: Toll road proposal undergoes changes

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