LAYTON -- Transportation officials hope adding new technology to roads will make traffic flow better on I-15.
This winter, the Utah Department of Transportation will begin construction of an electronic monitoring system on Interstate 15 Express Lanes.
Using overhead signs to pick up radio frequencies from in-vehicle transponders, a new electronic payment system will adjust the price for decal-owning, single-occupant motorists using the Express Lane, based on traffic conditions.
Under the state's current program, single-occupant motorists are required to purchase a decal -- placed on their car's license plate -- in order to use the express lanes.
UDOT currently issues a total of 1,600 decals at a cost of $50 each.
Bryan Chamberlain, Express Lanes project manager, said, "If there is more congestion in the lane, the prices will be higher. The goal is to keep the lanes moving freely."
With the new system, UDOT officials hope to give more drivers the option of using the lanes to ensure that carpooling is still a benefit.
"The new system is going to allow a lot more people to take advantage of the Express Lane," Chamberlain said. "Rather than paying one fee up front, you can decide in real time whether or not it's worth it to you to use it."
UDOT recently selected TransCore, a contractor that specializes in electronic traffic management systems, to build the electronic payment system on I-15 this winter.
When the conversion is complete, the system will extend to State Street in Farmington to the south Layton interchange, and from Beck Street in Salt Lake City to American Fork's Main Street. Chamberlain said until carpoolers fully utilize the express lanes, UDOT permits a monitored number of solo drivers to purchase the remaining capacity.
Much like the current system, carpoolers, buses, select C-plate vehicles and motorcycles are the priority in the express lanes and will still be able to use them without charge.
"We still want to encourage people to carpool," Chamberlain said. "That will always be free and it moves more people."
Similar electronic systems are functioning in several other states, including California, Florida, Minnesota and Washington, and are under study in other locations throughout the U.S.
"We looked at the systems in place in Washington and Minnesota," Chamberlain said. "They seem to do very well."
UDOT officials expect the electronic system to be up and running by fall 2010.
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