Tolling Authorities and the Roads They Toll

It's not a secret that paying tolls is a must for individuals who use toll roads, tollways, or turnpikes. This is because tolls help to build and maintain new roads.
Nonetheless, it doesn't change the fact that paying tolls is no fun. It strikes you where it hurts the most — your pocket.
Ouch!
But what can you do?
You don't make the rules.
Since these toll roads are important, you can't avoid paying the fees. Hence, every time you ply these roads, you have to pay up.
And sincerely, no one wants the tag "latest toll violation, victim." But thankfully, you won't be the next victim because help is always a click away when you have the Uproad app.
With Uproad, you can protect yourself by conveniently paying your tolls, regardless of your state, using a single account.
So, download the Uproad app on your device and never miss a toll payment on your travels.
That said, ever wondered who owns toll roads, makes the rules, or calls the shots?
Here's your answer:
They are known as Tolling Authorities.
The Tolling authority is a ruling body with the legal backing to review and modify toll rates. In most cases, it's the transport commission. And in other cases, they are delegated to private entities.
There are different tolling authorities in different countries. However, in this article, we'll throw light on who owns toll roads in America. So, you know where to point your fingers whenever you notice a hike in tolls.
Let's dive in.
Who Owns Toll Roads in America
Below are the tolling authorities in charge of the toll roads in American states. Take a look.
Alabama
Alabama presently possesses four toll roads:
- Joe Malliaham Parkway in Tuscaloosa
- Emerald Mountain Expressway in Montgomery
- The Montgomery Expressway
- The Foley Beach Express
Who Owns Alabama Toll Roads
American Roads Technologies, a renowned transportation infrastructure solutions company, owns and operates these toll roads.
Alaska
Unlike Alabama, Alaska has only one tollway: Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel, popularly known as the Whittier Tunnel.
Who Owns Alaska Toll Roads
The Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities owns and controls this toll road.
California
There are five toll roads in California:
- California State Route 73
- California State Route 133
- California State Route 241
- California State Route 261
- California State Route 125
Who Owns California Toll Roads
The state of California owns the first four, while the Transportation Corridor Agencies (TCA) operate them.
On the other hand, the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) owns and operates the California State Route 125
Colorado
Colorado has three toll roads that are owned and maintained by different entities.
Who Owns Colorado Toll Roads
- Northwest Parkway is owned and maintained by the Northwest Parkway Public Highway Authority
- E-470 Toll Road is owned and maintained by the E-470 Public Highway Authority
- Pikes Peak Highway is owned and maintained by the city of Colorado springs.
Delaware
There are three toll roads in Delaware:
- John F. Kennedy Memorial Highway (Delaware Turnpike)
- Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway
- U.S. Route 301 (US 301)
Who Owns Delaware Toll Roads
Delaware Toll Roads are owned and managed by two agencies, namely the Delaware Department of Transportation and the Bay Authority.
Florida
Florida presently has three toll roads:
- Florida Turnpike
- Alligator Alley
- Bee Line Expressway
Who Owns Florida Toll Roads
Due to the contrasting answers out there and the need for clarity, some people often ask this question: Who owns the toll roads in Florida? So, let's clear the air.
The state of Florida owns these toll roads, while the Florida Turnpike Enterprise (FTE), a part of the Florida Department of Transportation, operates each toll road.
Houston
Houston has up to 15 toll roads, including Fort Bend Parkway and Extension, Westpark Tollway, Grand Parkway: Fort Bend County, TxDOT, Hardy Airport Connector, Hardy Toll Road, and a few others.
However, South Houston Tollway stands out from the lot as the main toll road in Houston.
Who Owns Houston Toll Roads
The Harris County Toll Road Authority (HCTRA) owns, operates, and maintains the toll roads in Houston.
Illinois
Illinois has 5 toll roads:
- Veterans Memorial Tollway
- Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway
- Chicago Skyway
- Illinois Tri-state Tollway
- Jane Addams Memorial Tollway
Who Owns Illinois Toll Roads
The Illinois State Toll Highway Authority (ISTHA) owns and operates all the toll roads in Illinois except the Chicago Skyway.
So, who owns the Chicago Highway?
Surprisingly, it's the Canadian Pension Consortium with top names like OMERS Infrastructure, Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan, and CPP Investment Board.
Indiana
The Indiana Toll Road or Indiana East-West Toll Road is the only toll road in Indiana.
Who Owns The Indiana Toll Road
The Indiana Finance Authority owns this toll road, while the Indiana Toll Road Concession Company (ITRCC) operates it.
Kansas
Kansas has only one toll road: The Kansas Turnpike.
Who Owns Kansas Toll Roads
The Kansas Turnpike Authority owns and operates this toll road.
Maine
Maine has only one toll road: The Maine Turnpike.
Who Owns Maine Toll Roads
The Maine Turnpike Authority owns and manages the Maine Turnpike.
Massachusetts
Massachusetts Turnpike is the only toll road in Massachusetts.
Who Owns Massachusetts Toll Roads
The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) owns and maintains this toll road.
Missouri
Missouri has only one toll road: The Lake of the Ozarks Community Bridge
Who Owns Missouri Toll Roads
The Lake of the Ozarks Community Bridge Corporation owns and manages the tolls on this toll road.
New Hampshire
There are three toll roads in New Hampshire:
- The F.E Everett Turnpike
- The Spaulding Turnpike (Route 16)
- The Blue Star Turnpike (popularly known as Interstate 95)
Who Owns New Hampshire Toll Roads
The State of New Hampshire Department of Transportation owns and maintains these toll roads.
New Jersey
New Jersey has 3 recognized toll roads:
- New Jersey Turnpike
- Atlantic City Expressway
- Garden State Parkway
Who Owns New Jersey Toll Roads
The New Jersey Turnpike Authority (NJTA) owns and maintains these toll roads.
New York
Over 30 toll roads can be found in New York, including the Niagara Connector and New England Thruway.
Who Owns New York Toll Roads
The New York State Thruway Authority (NYSTA) owns and operates these toll roads.
North Carolina
North Carolina has two modern toll roads, namely The Monroe Expressway and The Triangle Expressway.
Who Owns North Carolina Toll Roads
The North Carolina Turnpike Authority owns and maintains these toll roads.
Ohio
The Ohio Turnpike or James W. Shocksnessy Ohio Turnpike is the only toll road in Ohio.
Who Ohio Toll Roads
The Ohio Turnpike and Infrastructure Commission owns and manages this toll road.
Oklahoma
There are three toll roads in Oklahoma:
- H.E Bailey Turnpike
- Will Rogers Turnpike
- Turner Turnpike
Who Owns Oklahoma Toll Roads
The Oklahoma Turnpike Authority (OTA) owns and handles every issue regarding these toll roads.
So, if you were wondering who owns toll roads in Oklahoma, stop wondering. There's your answer right there.
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania Turnpike (also known as PA Turnpike or Penna Turnpike) is the only tollway in Pennsylvania.
Who Owns Pennsylvania Toll Roads
The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission (PTC) owns and operates this toll road.
Rhode Island
Rhode Island currently has two toll roads, namely Clairborne/Pell Newport Bridge and Rhodeworks Truck Tolls.
Who Owns Rhode Island Toll Roads
The Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) owns and manages these toll roads.
South Carolina
The Southern Connector is the only toll road on the South Carolina map.
Who Owns South Carolina Toll Roads
The state of South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) owns and operates this toll road.
Texas
Texas has over 50 toll roads. This makes it the state with the highest number of toll roads in the country.
Who Owns Texas Toll Roads
The Texas DOT'S Toll Operations (TOD) handles the development, operation, and maintenance of over 250 miles of toll roads situated in Texas's key metropolitan locations.
However, based on statistics from 2003, most toll roads in Texas are owned by public-private partnerships.
Utah
There is only one short toll road in Utah: The Adams Avenue Parkway.
Who Owns Utah Toll Roads
The Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) owns and controls this toll road.
Vermont
There are 3 toll roads in Vermont:
- MT. Equinox Skyline Drive
- Burke Mountain Toll Road
- MT. Mansfield Toll Road
Who Owns Vermont Toll Roads
The Vermont Agency of Transportation (VTrans) owns and operates these toll roads.
Virginia
Virginia currently has four major toll roads owned and operated by different entities.
Who Owns Virginia Toll Roads
Below is a list of each toll road and its owners/operators:
- Pocahontas Parkway is owned and operated by Globalvia, a Spanish multinational transport infrastructure company
- The Chesapeake Expressway is owned and operated by the city of Chesapeake
- The Powhite Parkway is owned and operated by the Richmond Metropolitan Authority
- Virginia Dulles Toll Road is owned and operated by the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority
Washington
There are currently 5 toll roads in Washington:
- SR 16 Tacoma Narrows Bridge
- SR 167 HOT lanes
- SR 520 bridge or EverGreen Point Floating Bridge
- The I-405 Express Toll Lanes
- The SR 99 Tunnel
Who Owns Washington Toll Roads
The Washington State Transportation Commission owns and maintains these toll roads as designated by the law.
West Virginia
The West Virginia Turnpike is the only recognized toll road in West Virginia.
Who Owns West Virginia Toll Roads
An agency known as the West Virginia Parkways Authority owns and manages the West Virginia Turnpike.
Regardless of where you are in America, you can always bank on Uproad to avoid troubles with toll violations.
And what's more, you don't need a transponder or tab to make this happen — all you need is your mobile phone.
Download the Uproad app from the App Store or Google Play store, set up your account, and pre-load your balance by linking your PayPal, Venmo, credit/debit card, or Google Play to get started.
Once you take these easy steps, you need not worry about missing a payment or paying a late fee.
So, go ahead and unlock a new level of freedom to navigate roads in America with peace of mind.