Lawmakers tackle I-70 congestion

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The Associated Press
Aspen, CO Colorado
March 26, 2008

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DENVER — The discussion about what to do about Interstate 70 traffic is picking up at the state Capitol.

Lawmakers were set to get a briefing about congestion on the highway Wednesday afternoon. On Thursday, one of two proposals to start charging a toll on I-70 will get its first hearing in the Senate. People who oppose the idea, including residents of mountain communities, plan to rally against the idea.

Sen. Chris Romer of Denver, and Rep. Buffie McFadyen of Pueblo West, want to designate one or all lanes of the highway as toll lanes during peak travel periods to help avoid weekend traffic jams.

The move has angered some in communities along I-70 who've been considering whether to widen the highway, add mass transit or some combination of both. They're set to release recommendations in May.