Plans are underway to once again extend Sugarloaf Parkway, but this time tolls would be used to help pay for it.

The 6 to 7-mile extension would run from Highway 316 east of Lawrenceville to I-85 between Ga. 20 and Gravel Springs Road.

Gwinnett Transportation Director Alan Chapman says the price tag of $285 million is too costly for the county to pick up alone.

“We’ve put together a package that includes both federal dollars and toll revenues to get that full funding in place,” he tells WSB’s Sandra Parrish.

Gwinnett commissioners gave the go ahead this week for the county to apply for The Infrastructure for Rebuilding America grant that looks for local and private contributions to pay for infrastructure projects.

Chapman says a study will have to be conducted to determine how long the tolls would be place and how much they would cost drivers.

Mecca Pettiford-Green, who lives in Lawrenceville at the end of the current Sugarloaf Parkway extension, thinks it’s a good idea to help relieve traffic.

“I think it would take a hit in our pockets, but I actually would use it,” she says.

Chapman says even those who choose not to use it should benefit.

“People who choose not to pay the toll and ride on the road would be able to ride on less congested adjacent roads like State Route 20 and State Route 324,” he says.

Gwinnett commissioners gave the go ahead this week for the county to apply for The Infrastructure for Rebuilding America grant that looks for local and private contributions to pay for infrastructure projects.