toll operations.pdf - Parsons Brinckerhoff

I-77 HOV to HOT Lanes Conversion Feasibility Study
Charlotte, North Carolina, U.S.
This project involved assessing the feasibility of converting the existing I-77 HOV facility to HOT lanes, and extending
the lanes an additional 9.6 kilometers (6 miles). Parsons Brinckerhoff identified the recommended design and operations
concepts, and estimated capital, operating, and maintenance costs including access, design, and related enhancements.
The study also involved revenue estimation, which was incorporated into a preliminary financial analysis. Parsons
Brinckerhoff made numerous presentations to local governments and organizations within the study area and assisted
the North Carolina Department of Transportation with preparing and submitting to the Federal Highway Administration
an Expression of Interest and a preliminary application for tolling authority along I-77.
I-10 Katy Freeway Reconstruction
Houston, Texas, U.S.
Parsons Brinckerhoff served as general engineering consultant for the largest freeway reconstruction
program undertaken in Texas. The project features the first multi-lane electronic tollway in the
U.S. operating within the right-of-way of an interstate highway, with multiple entrances and exits.
Motorists can use the free interstate lanes, the managed lanes, or pay a toll to avoid congestion.
The managed lanes include two lanes in each direction that offer more reliable travel times for
METRO buses and HOV riders, while making unused lane capacity available to drivers willing to
pay a toll. A risk analysis was undertaken to evaluate and mitigate any impacts of the toll road.
Research and Policy
Parsons Brinckerhoff’s transportation experts
have conducted extensive research on tolling
including best practices for financing and
implementing toll facilities. The firm has
prepared guidelines and analyses on a range
of transportation issues for government entities
and major industry organizations, including:
• A Guide for HOT Lane Development
Prepared for the U.S. Federal Highway
Administration (FHWA), this publication
provides definitive guidance for the
implementation of HOT lane projects.
It presents different organizational
frameworks and provides key information
on technical and operational aspects of
HOT projects.
• Current Toll Road Activity in the U.S.:
A Survey and Analysis
This major research effort for the FHWA examines
U.S. toll facility development from the passage of
the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency
Act in 1991 to 2008, and identifies 280 toll-based
transportation improvements. The information is
provided in a database to facilitate further analysis.
• Improved Framework and Tools for Highway
Pricing Decisions (NCHRP 08-57)
Parsons Brinckerhoff led this research effort
for the National Cooperative Highway
Research Program to develop a framework
to guide decision-making for effective pricing
policies and practices, and to predict the
impacts on congestion and travel behavior.
Private Clients
Parsons Brinckerhoff has provided extensive
support for private clients, assisting them in
evaluating toll road acquisition opportunities,
optimizing their bids, and making investment
decisions. Our analyses have included assessments
of operating and maintenance expenses and
capital investment requirements, operational
staff planning, commercial and technical risk
assessments, and verification of legal and
regulatory compliance. We’ve assisted designbuild
contractors in assessing risk and minimizing
expenses, and we have undertaken in-depth
reviews of financial models, defined operating
strategies to mitigate risk, and provided commercial
insight into a facility’s effectiveness.
InterCounty Connector Finance Plan and
TIFIA Application
Maryland, U.S.
The 30-kilometer (18-mile) InterCounty Connector is a
USD $2.4 billion tolled highway north of Washington,
DC—the first fully electronic, variably priced toll facility in
Maryland. Parsons Brinckerhoff developed a comprehensive
financial plan for the project, working with finance and
legal executives from the Maryland Department of
Transportation as well as investment bankers and financial
advisors to the Maryland Transportation Authority. The
project is funded by a combination of state and federal
funds, Grant Anticipation Revenue Vehicle (GARVEE)
bonds, and toll revenue bonds. The firm was instrumental
in developing a Transportation Infrastructure Finance and
Innovation Act (TIFIA) loan application that secured
USD $516 million. Parsons Brinckerhoff, in joint venture,
also provided general engineering consultant services on
the project.
San Francisco Regional Express Lane
Network Study
San Francisco, California, U.S.
This study’s objective was to determine whether
adding congestion pricing to HOV lanes in the Bay
Area could promote mobility and help fund faster
completion of the network. During the first phase,
Parsons Brinckerhoff analyzed current capacity
and demand, calculated service levels, outlined
constructibility and feasibility for HOV-to-HOT
conversion, and prioritized HOV lane conversions.
In the second phase, Parsons Brinckerhoff confirmed
long-range forecasts and alternative approaches
E-470 Public Highway Authority
Denver, Colorado, U.S.
E-470 is a 75.6 kilometer (47-mile) toll highway outside
Denver. Parsons Brinckerhoff has been involved with
E-470 since its inception—the firm initially provided
planning, environmental, and engineering services, and
later was the contractor for toll collection, customer service,
and toll violation enforcement. Under its subsidiary, Alltech
Inc., the firm provides customer service center operations
including customer account establishment, maintenance,
and processing; violation enforcement; safety patrol
services; and traffic management center and operations
management. In 2009, a transition to all-electronic toll
collection was completed. E-470 received the International
Bridge, Tunnel and Turnpike Association President’s Award
and Customer Service Award for its innovative efforts to
Completion of Autoroutes 25 and 30
Montréal, Québec, Canada
Autoroutes 25 and 30 are the first toll roads
to be developed under a public-private
partnership in Québec. The projects were
developed as all-electronic toll collection
facilities under a 35-year concession. Parsons
Brinckerhoff developed the regional traffic
and revenue forecast model, which served
as a basis to value the projects. Through the
procurement phases, the firm assessed traffic,
revenue, and technology risks and developed
strategies that culminated in the creation
of contractual clauses including revenue
guarantees, revenue sharing mechanisms, and
the rights and obligations of the private partner
in setting tolls. The projects were awarded the
Euromoney Project Finance North American
Deal of the Year in 2007 (A25) and 2008 (A30).
WSDOT General Tolling Consultant
Washington, U.S.
Parsons Brinckerhoff is providing
statewide general toll consultant services
to the Washington State Department
of Transportation (WSDOT). Services
include toll operations program
management, as well as assistance with
the development and implementation
of toll facilities. Program management
activities include developing technology
standards, providing strategic advice to
the toll director, developing a concept
of operations, and contributing to toll
planning and policy development. The
firm’s staff and WSDOT personnel form
an integrated team to plan, implement
and operate WSDOT’s tolling program.
to implementation and rapid delivery. The study found
enhance customer service.
that a regional HOT lane network could produce
Cross City Tunnel Tolling System
Sydney, Australia
A major element of Sydney’s Cross City Tunnel project, designed to reduce congestion and
improve safety, was an electronic tolling system to handle an estimated 90,000 vehicles each
day. The tolling system had to be designed simultaneously with the tunnel. Parsons Brinckerhoff
participated in designing, testing, and commissioning the roadside, casual user and tag systems,
revenue exceeding implementation costs and reduce
peak-period travel times, among other benefits. The
third phase involved seeking authorization from
the California Transportation Commission, granted
in October 2011, to begin implementation of the
Regional Express Lane Network.
including a vehicle detection system, a video enforcement system, an electronic toll collection
radio system to read and locate tags, an electronic toll collection roadside controller, a video
retrieval system, and a customer contact management system.