People living near ICC ask for toll discount

GREENBELT, Md. - Bulldozers. Dirt. Dust. Debris. The people who live near the controversial InterCounty Connector have seen it all since construction started on the roadway.

A group of local leaders is now asking that those residents get something in return for dealing with the disruption.

Maryland State Sen. Jim Rosapepe, along with Delegates Barbara Frush, Ben Barnes and Joseline Pena-Melnyk -- all who represent the 21st District -- have written a letter to the state's transportation secretary.

The letter asks Transportation Secretary Beverley Swaim-Staley to consider giving a discount on ICC tolls to residents in neighborhoods near the road.

An excerpt from the letter reads:

As you know, there has been vigorous debate over many years about the project. But, whatever one's views on it, there can be little doubt that some communities, particularly those in and close to its path, have and will carry much of the environmental and other costs of the road.

Thus, the concept of giving their residents, many of whom we represent, some compensation in the form of lower tolls seems worthy of consideration. We write to ask what consideration you have given it and what you see as the pros and cons of such a policy.

When the six-lane ICC fully opens in late 2011 or early 2012, it will be an all electronic tolled facility. Driving the entire 18.8 miles between Gaithersburg and Laurel could cost as much as $6.15 during rush hour.

State transportation leaders have said, however, that the average trip on the roadway is expected to be about 6.6 miles.

Proposed toll ranges right now are between 25 cents to 35 cents per mile during the peak travel periods and 20 to 30 cents per mile off-peak. That puts the average cost for a trip on the roadway between $1.65 and $2.35 for the peak, and $1.35 and $2.00 off-peak.

"I think it is a very reasonable idea that ought to be considered," Rosapepe tells WTOP. "I think everyone is concerned about the cost of the tolls on the road."

The first segment of the ICC, from I-370 to MD 97 (Georgia Avenue), is scheduled to open in the fall of 2010.

Two public hearings on the proposed tolling parameters will be held by the Maryland Transportation Authority Board this week:

Oct. 28 from 6 - 9 p.m.: High Point High School 3601 Powder Mill Road, Beltsville, MD

Oct. 29 6 - 9 p.m.: Shady Grove Middle School 8100 Midcounty Highway, Gaithersburg, MD

A final decision on toll rates is expected in December.

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