Delegate Chris Saxman has introduced legislation in the Virginia House that includes stripping away state-granted authority to toll vehicles using Interstate 81.

Saxman, R-Staunton, is sponsoring a legislative package that includes prohibiting tolls on existing interstates and limiting the state’s ability to build separate lanes for commercial vehicles. One bill – HB1346 – would restrict trucks from driving in the left-most lane on the highway.

A Virginia Transportation Department advisory panel is evaluating proposals from two road-building consortiums to widen the 325-mile stretch of I-81 in Virginia to reduce congestion, The Roanoke Times reported. Both plans call for tolls to finance at least part of the construction.

State lawmakers passed legislation in 2002 to permit tolling of trucks on I-81. The legislation was vital to Star Solutions’ plan to widen the interstate to eight lanes and separate car and truck traffic.

The $13 billion project could net up to $1.6 billion in federal funds earmarked for a test highway project containing dedicated truck lanes.

Lawmakers this year will consider a measure that would enable the state to toll all vehicles on I-81. That bill – HB905 – sponsored by Delegate Leo Wardrup, R-Virginia Beach, is essential to Fluor Virginia’s $7 billion plan to widen most of the interstate to six lanes.

Saxman said in a statement the state could address the highway’s safety problems without widening the entire corridor and without charging tolls. His five-bill package includes HB1345, which would limit the length of a car-truck separation project to 85 miles and prohibit tolls on the stretch of road.

Saxman said available state and federal funds could cover the cost of a test project and additional safety improvements on other sections of the interstate.

State Sen. John Edwards, D-Roanoke, told The Times that lawmakers should leave open the option of tolling trucks. But, he added, they also should move more aggressively toward improving the state’s rail infrastructure in an effort to divert some freight away from I-81 and other congested roadways.

Edwards is sponsoring SB413, which would create a rail authority that could issue bonds for infrastructure improvements.

“I’m not suggesting rails only, but rail is a major component of solving the I-81 problem,” said Edwards.