North America’s first congestion pricing program aims to solve Manhattan’s decades-old traffic burden by tolling vehicles entering what have historically been the borough’s most congested areas, disincentivizing private vehicles and encouraging transit use in a designated congestion relief zone (CRZ). Combining design, construction, operation and maintenance under a single contract eliminated multiple procurement processes, saving considerable time and effort in implementing the necessary infrastructure while ensuring long-term operational efficiency and encouraging use of innovative technologies.

Photo courtesy of HDR

The project team deployed 110 detection points to form a perimeter around lower Manhattan. The toll collection system uses all innovative light detection methods that rely on neural network data processing and machine learning to accurately identify vehicles entering and leaving the zone. To minimize visual impact, equipment is mounted on existing infrastructure or light poles where possible, blending into the cityscape. Additionally, the team developed an algorithm to detect vehicles that enter the CRZ from the excluded roadways located along the perimeter. Using strategically placed detection points rather than installing equipment along every entrance and exit along the roadway minimized infrastructure expansion.

Photo courtesy of HDR

In addition to technical challenges, the project navigated an uncertain political environment with multiple federal, state and local stakeholders. Conflicting interests and shifting priorities added a layer of complexity that required persistent communication, negotiation and flexible planning.

Photo courtesy of HDR

With the system put in place on time and at budget, toll collection in the CRZ began on Jan. 5. Since then, approximately 70,000 fewer vehicles enter the zone each day, representing an 11% reduction compared with historical trends for the same months. With fewer vehicles on the road, trip times and reliability have improved and transit ridership has grown. The program has also generated $215 million in revenue in the first four months that will be applied to addressing long-standing transit system needs.

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