New Jersey Turnpike Express E-ZPass Lanes

July 13-15, 2008 Dallas, Texas
New Jersey Turnpike Authority
One-way/Express Lane Program:
Technical Challenges and Lessons
Learned
Presented By:
Joseph W. Parker, AICP
HNTB Corporation
Overview
• One-way/Express Lane Program
• Express Lane Toll Collection
• Benefits
• Technical Challenges/Lessons Learned
– 1. System Implementation
– 2. Testing and Tuning
– 3. System Redundancy
– 4. Signage
– 5. Maintenance
– 6. Project Coordination
1

One-way/Express Lane Program
• December 2002 Program Announced -Fast
Track Program
• Reduce the number of stops on longer trips
• Reduce number of transactions
• Collection at highway speeds
• Reduce number of stops/slow downs
• No toll increase
• 8 Express Lane Plazas
– 2 Plazas on Closed Ticket System
– 6 Plazas on Barrier System
Express lane Toll Collection
• ACS State & Local Solutions (System
Integrator)
• Single Lane, 2-Lane bi-directional, 3-, and 5-
Lane configurations
• Shoulders covered for VES & detection only
• System components
– Mark IV E-ZPass antenna array
– IDRIS Loop Vehicle Detection/Classification System
– VES cameras and lighting units
– Overhead laser scanner vehicle separators
2

Benefits
• Fewer toll transactions
• Reduced operational costs
• Improved toll collector safety
• Significant reduction in plaza traffic
congestion
• Improved convenience for customers
Typical Existing Plaza
3

One-way/Express Toll Lanes
Lesson #1 - System Implementation
• Challenges:
– Fast Track Project – ORT Design Unknown
– E-ZPass technology limited to 2-Lane ORT
– Bi-directional Express Lanes increases cross lane
reads
– Stop-and-go traffic deteriorates loop performance
– Front VES light cause driver distraction
• Solutions:
– Space-frame ORT structure allows flexible system
design
– Mark IV developed Cross Lane Read Algorithm for 2+
ORT applications
– Guard Antennas used at bi-directional plazas
– Overhead Scanner used for vehicle separation at low
speed
– Infrared flasher to minimize driver distraction
4

Overhead Space Frame
Pascack Valley Toll Plaza
5

Lesson #2 - Testing and Tuning
• Challenges:
– FAT Site – High-speed test facility
– Each site must be tuned for traffic
– Loop sensitivity problems caused by rebar in concrete and
location of storm grates
– VES system not at peak reliability until system tuning is
complete
• Solutions:
– ACS High-Speed Test Facility- Crofton, Maryland
– Mini FAT performed at installation sites
– Rebar and storm grates repositioned in tolling area to
decrease loop interference
– AVC System tuning process extended
Interchange 18W Toll Plaza
6

Lesson #3 – System Redundancy
• Challenges:
– System failure = Loss of revenue
– All lanes act as single system - System not
designed for single lane closure
– Backup lanes not available
• Solutions:
– Increase level of memory in AVI reader to hold
more tag reads
– Backup lane controllers and other peripherals
required as part of system redundancy
– Degraded mode operations to maintain lane
uptime
Lesson #4 - Signage
• Challenges:
– System identification and patron notification
– Toll system control of Automatic Sign Control
System not implemented
• Solutions:
– Series of static signs erected prior to Express
Lanes
– Manual override of Automatic Sign Control System
7

Automatic Sign Control
Lesson #5 - Maintenance
• Challenges:
– ORT failures more critical
– ORT lane closure difficult
– ORT System components located outside
• Solutions:
– More stringent repair and response times
– Most maintenance performed during late night
hours
– Equipment brackets designed for easy removal
and installation
– Modified open shelter to house system
components
8

Raritan S. Plaza – 5 Express Lanes
ETC Shelter
9

Lesson #6 – Project Coordination
• Challenges:
– Agency departments – Engineering, ETC, Tolls,
Maintenance, Operations and Audit
– System Integrator
– Civil/Electrical Designer
– Construction Inspector
– Civil/Electrical Contractors
– System Integrator Equipment Vendors
• Solution:
– Coordination meetings
Conclusion - Lessons Learned
Revisited
1. System Implementation – New solutions
2. Testing and Tuning – Increased effort
3. System Redundancy – Absolutely
required
4. Signage – Patron notification
5. Maintenance – Different approach
6. Project Coordination – All parties
involved
10