Toll Excellence Awards

Golden State Game-Changer: OCTA’s I-405 Express Lanes Transforms Congestion Relief

The I-405 Improvement Project by the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) is a landmark initiative that introduced the 405 Express Lanes along a 16-mile stretch of one of California’s busiest freeways. This $2.2 billion project, the largest highway construction in the state, successfully alleviated congestion by implementing congestion management pricing, which adjusts toll rates hourly based on real-time traffic conditions. This innovation led to a significant reduction in travel times—42% northbound and 35% southbound. OCTA also secured a $629 million TIFIA loan, saving taxpayers over $500 million. The project reimagined the corridor by reconstructing 18 bridges, adding bike lanes, and enhancing sidewalks, promoting safer, more sustainable travel. OCTA’s effective public outreach minimized disruptions and fostered community support, making the I-405 Improvement Project a deserving recipient of IBTTA's 2024 Toll Excellence Award.

Land of Lincoln Leads: Illinois Tollway’s I-PASS Assist Drives Equity and Access on the Open Road

The Illinois Tollway's I-PASS Assist program is a pioneering, equity-focused initiative designed to support underserved communities by making tollway travel more accessible and affordable. Launched in June 2021, the program has seen a dramatic 15-fold increase in enrollment, growing from 2,500 accounts in 2020 to over 40,000 active accounts. Key innovations include the elimination of the transponder deposit, reducing setup costs, and lowering automatic replenishment fees, which have collectively waived over $3.7 million in invoice fees. Through targeted outreach and an automated application process, I-PASS Assist has significantly expanded its reach, providing low-income residents with equitable access to transportation, setting a new standard in the tolling industry.

Innovating Virginia's Highways: Indra Leads Private Sector Breakthrough on I-66

Indra's implementation of all-overhead tolling and traffic technology at the Transform 66 Outside the Beltway project, a major transportation corridor in Northern Virginia, has significantly advanced the tolling industry, exemplifying innovation and excellence. Managed by I-66 Express Mobility Partners LLC, this first-of-its-kind tolling solution utilizes LiDAR for dimensions-based classification and Video AI for axle-based classification, all integrated into an advanced smart-road system. Going live ahead of schedule in November 2022, it has drastically improved traffic flow along this critical commuter route, reducing travel times by 54% in the express lanes. The project sets a new standard for tolling systems globally, with its innovative use of commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) technology and holistic approach, including video-based occupancy detection, providing a blueprint for future implementations.

Mile-High Safety Boost: Colorado’s WAL-E Tech Transforms Express Lane Safety.

The Colorado Transportation Investment Office (CTIO) implemented an innovative Safety Enforcement Program using Blissway’s Wireless Autonomous Lane Enforcer (WAL-E) technology to address illegal weaving and oversized vehicle use on express lanes. Deployed on key corridors like I-70 and I-25, this program led to a 75% decrease in weaving violations and a 20% reduction in serious injury crashes, significantly enhancing traffic safety. Supported by legislative backing and public approval, the program also improved traffic flow, increased toll revenue, and set a new standard for infrastructure-light, sustainable, and cost-effective enforcement in the tolling industry.

Windsor and Detroit's New Gateway: Gordie Howe Bridge Fuels $3.17 Billion Growth and Champions Social Change

The Gordie Howe International Bridge project, North America's largest bi-national infrastructure undertaking valued at $6.4 billion (CDN), exemplifies excellence in social responsibility with measurable achievements. The project has created over 11,400 jobs, with 42% filled by local workers, and engaged 275+ local businesses. It has contributed $1.87 billion to Detroit's GDP and $1.3 billion to Windsor's GDP. Environmental efforts include achieving ISO 14001 certification, LEED v4 Silver ratings for its port facilities, and an Envision™ Platinum Award. Socially, the project will invest $23 million in community improvements, has established a toll-free multi-use path to promote transportation equity, and delivered a Visual Arts Program that includes Indigenous art and a Commemorative piece recognizing the Underground Railroad, all informed by extensive community engagement. These initiatives have earned the project numerous awards, setting a new standard for cross-border infrastructure projects.

Tar Heel Turnpike: NCTA’s BOS2 Drives a New Era of Tolling Excellence.

The North Carolina Department of Transportation, Turnpike Authority implemented BOS2, a new back-office system in February 2023, revolutionizing NC Quick Pass customer service and toll transaction processing. Replacing a 13-year-old system, BOS2 offers advanced features like cloud-based telephony, an Interactive Voice Response System (IVR), and a mobile app, all built on scalable cloud technologies and APIs. The successful transition involved migrating over 6 million customer accounts, 9 million vehicles, and 1.5 million transponders, along with approximately ten years of account history, toll transactions, and financial activity. Since its deployment, BOS2 has collected over $280 million in payments and increased NC Quick Pass account adoption by 23%, with over 60% of new accounts converting from Bill-By-Mail to Prepaid NC Quick Pass accounts, setting a new industry standard for tolling technology.

Navigating the Sunshine City: THEA's East Selmon Slip Ramps Ease Tampa's Traffic Tide

The East Selmon Slip Ramps project, initiated by the Tampa Hillsborough Expressway Authority (THEA), effectively addressed growing congestion and changing travel behaviors on the Selmon Expressway, a critical east-west toll road in Tampa, Florida. In response to a 100% surge in traffic over the past decade and projected future increases, THEA introduced two new slip ramps, allowing westbound drivers to access and exit the All-Electronic Reversible Express Lanes (REL) more efficiently, bypassing the congested downtown core. This innovation has significantly reduced morning congestion, particularly at critical intersections and near an elementary school, enhancing safety and improving the overall commuter experience. The project's strategic design not only optimizes traffic flow but also defers substantial future expenditures, showcasing THEA's commitment to cost-effective, innovative infrastructure solutions.