20 Jul VDOT Selects TransCore to Bring DC Metro Area the Nation’s First All Dynamically-Priced Roadway
NASHVILLE, Tenn.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) has selected TransCore to implement its dynamic pricing toll technology along the I-66 corridor inside of Washington D.C.’s Capital Beltway. The milestone project represents the first instance in the United States where volume-based dynamic pricing will be utilized along an entire roadway corridor to manage growing traffic congestion during peak periods.
“VDOT has long been recognized as one of the most innovative transportation departments in the country, successfully managing a complex system of roads, bridges, and tunnels,” said Bob Landry, vice president, TransCore. “It’s truly an honor to work on such a landmark project in our continued partnership with VDOT to provide the most reliable travel experience throughout Northern Virginia.”
Since developing the country’s first High-Occupancy Toll (HOT) system in San Diego in 1988, TransCore has developed, deployed, and operated more than 470 miles of express lanes from California to Texas, Florida, and now Virginia. The coast-to-coast presence constitutes the majority of all express lanes and the largest systems in the U.S.
Converting to dynamically-priced lanes has become a popular, cost-effective strategy to provide reliable travel times and maximize capacity utilization on existing roadways in major urban areas across the country. VDOT’s ground-breaking initiative goes one step further by demonstrating how volume-based dynamic pricing can be utilized as an effective travel demand and corridor management tool.
The first-of-its-kind project allows toll rates for all travel lanes to be adjusted in real-time as congestion levels change along I-66, connecting roadways, and adjacent arterial corridors. Once completed, all motorists will continue to travel for free along the corridor during off-peak hours. During peak hours, drivers of single occupant vehicles can access the new dynamically-priced roadway by paying a toll. The prevailing toll rate will be prominently displayed on dynamic message signs leading to the roadway so that drivers of single occupant vehicles have ample time to decide whether to merge onto I-66 well in advance of each entrance point.
TransCore’s express lane solution utilizes its Infinity Digital Lane SystemTM and is known as Infinity Express. The innovative system utilizes E-ZPass readers along with advanced sensors, imaging devices, and software to dynamically determine toll rates that are based upon real-time traffic conditions. TransCore will also integrate its Advanced Traffic Management System, TransSuite® , which further enhances VDOT’s ability to monitor traffic conditions and congestion throughout the corridor, allowing real-time response and management through the immediate exchange of data.
Over the past 42 years, TransCore has partnered with VDOT on a number of tolling projects, most recently electronic tolling on the George P. Coleman Bridge and the Powhite Parkway.
About TransCore
A leader in the transportation industry, TransCore provides innovative, technical solutions and engineering services for applications encompassing next generation Open Road Tolling and Traffic Management Systems. Radio Frequency Identification systems secure access for airports, hospitals, parking garages, border patrols, trucking fleets and rail carriers. TransCore also operates tolling customer service centers for departments of transportation throughout the U.S. and Dubai.
Based in Nashville, Tenn., TransCore is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Roper Technologies, a diversified technology company in the S&P 500, Fortune 1000 and Russell 1000 indices.