Public to weigh in on proposed ICC tolls

BELTSVILLE (AP) - Motorists with opinions on how much it should cost to drive the Intercounty Connector can have their say this week.

The Maryland Transportation Authority's board will hold public hearings on its proposed tolling plan for the 18.8-mile highway.

The Intercounty Connector will link Interstate 95 in Laurel with I-270 in Gaithersburg.

The board has proposed rush-hour tolls of 25 to 35 cents a mile. Off-peak rates would range from 20 to 30 cents a mile. That means it could cost up to $6.50 to traverse the entire highway.

The tolls would be among the highest in the country, but state officials say they are comparable to newer toll roads.

The meetings will be held tomorrow at High Point High School in Beltsville and Thursday at Shady Grove Middle in Gaithersburg.