Skip to main content

As east coast battles blizzard, IBTTA praises toll authorities

In advance of what turned out to be blizzard conditions along the US East Coast over the weekend, tolling authorities throughout the region shifted into high gear to prepare for the extreme, winter weather developments. “Toll facility operations sweat the details, plan well ahead, have the necessary tools and equipment needed for severe weather events and know how to use them,” said Patrick D. Jones, executive director and CEO of the International Bridge, Tunnel and Turnpike Association (IBTTA). “Our t
January 25, 2016 Read time: 2 mins
In advance of what turned out to be blizzard conditions along the US East Coast over the weekend, tolling authorities throughout the region shifted into high gear to prepare for the extreme, winter weather developments.

“Toll facility operations sweat the details, plan well ahead, have the necessary tools and equipment needed for severe weather events and know how to use them,” said Patrick D. Jones, executive director and CEO of the 3804 International Bridge, Tunnel and Turnpike Association (IBTTA).  “Our tolling authority members throughout the country, particularly this weekend along the East Coast corridor, are taking this winter weather advisory very seriously. Tolling authorities take a consistent, serious and professional approach to emergency preparedness and response. Roadway and maintenance crews have been training and preparing for this type of situation for years. Toll road customers can expect a strong emphasis on traffic safety and road clearance. Please pay attention to any roadway advisories and guidance.”

According to IBTTA’s 2015 Report on Tolling in the United States, the fatality rate on toll roads throughout the country is about one-third (0.50) the rate of all US roads (1.47 per 100 million vehicle miles travelled.)  One major reason for the improved safety on toll roads is because they are typically operated centrally on a 24-hour basis from modern operations centres linked to dedicated maintenance, emergency response and police personnel. In fact, more than US$14 billion in capital investment was made over three years by the top 40 US toll facilities.

In May 2015, IBTTA brought together experts for a panel discussion and presentation on the “Interagency Emergency Operation Support” for roadway operations, maintenance, and manager personnel interested in collaboration amongst agencies, dealing with emergencies, and learning lessons from industry experience.

The %$Linker: 2 External <?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-16"?><dictionary /> 0 0 0 oLinkExternal webinar and presentation Visit the presentation page false http://ibtta.org/interagency-emergency-operations-support false false%> focused on lessons learned during a major snow emergency in November 2014 in Buffalo, New York and how collaboration between tolling authorities on snow removal assisted in helping drivers stay safe and roadways remain clear.

Related Content

  • July 9, 2019
    Grab secures $300m to expand presence in South-east Asia
    Grab has received $300 million to further accelerate its expansion in South-east Asia. Justin Leverenz, senior portfolio manager at Invesco – the company which has put up the cash - says the investment will support Grab in its “bringing more everyday services, greater accessibility and convenience to users in South-east Asia”. Earlier this year, Grab began working with property developer Sinar Mas Land to deploy electric scooters in Indonesia and to help strengthen BSD (Bumi Serpong Damai) city’s posi
  • December 19, 2016
    ITS associations highlight road safety, video analysis, new regulations
    ITS Australia has welcomed the country's National Transport Commission's roadmap of regulatory reform for automated vehicles, Ertico-ITS Europe has been appointed as the work-package leader for dissemination, exploitation and standardisation for the EU’s Cloud LSVA, French opportunities in the Italian ITS market formed the theme of ITS France’s first international breakfast meeting, TTS Italia vice president Diego Galletta highlighted the role of new technology solutions, Chris Philip, ITS Canada’s new boar
  • May 22, 2014
    Webinar: ITS European Congress
    ITS Helsinki has announced a webinar on 4 June to present the congress programme and help visitors plan their trip to the European congress. Eric Sampson, senior congress programme advisor, will present this year’s programme by highlighting some of the most engaging sessions and events of the week, including the opening ceremony, the three plenary sessions and the closing sessions, as well as the eco-driving competition, the White Night and more. Didier Gorteman, director of Congresses, will introduce
  • January 17, 2014
    10th ITS European Congress app development contest
    ITS Finland, host of the 10th ITS European Congress, has launched the ‘ITS in your pocket’ app development competition, providing an opportunity for companies, teams and individuals to compete for a total prize sum of €100,000 (US$136,000). Apps should provide solutions to improve transport safety, efficiency and sustainability, make transport systems more comfortable and should focus on the user needs.