Reversal of Fortunes

This article provides a description of a new reversible express lane that incorporates multilane cashless Open Road Tolling (ORT) by the Tampa Hillsborough Expressway Authority in Florida. As a greenfield solution to the severe congestion in the area was not an option due to environmental considerations, operators developed an innovative solution. A 10-mile long reversible expressway was decided upon that leads into downtown Tampa and switches directions dependent upon the dominant traffic flow. In addition to employing ORT technology, the new expressway also utilizes a new Traffic Management Center (TMC) for control of the directionality of traffic. The Automatic Vehicle Classification (AVC) system that is used to enable the ORT is also described. The new system has been found to be of great use in congestion alleviation; a trip through the corridor that once took 40 minutes during peak hours now takes 10 minutes, it is explained.

Language

  • English

Media Info

Subject/Index Terms

Filing Info

  • Accession Number: 01105475
  • Record Type: Publication
  • Source Agency: UC Berkeley Transportation Library
  • Files: BTRIS, TRIS
  • Created Date: Jul 31 2008 3:24PM