The North Carolina Department of Transportation plans to begin construction in 2019 on a $290 million Interstate 485 project that will include toll lanes in the median in both directions. A meeting is being held tonight in Matthews, N.C., for public input.

A study by the University of Virginia Center for Transportation Studies evaluated whether toll lanes on Interstate 66, the Capital Beltway and Interstate 95 help drivers save time. "People are seeing travel time savings that they view to be beneficial as they make that choice to pay those rates to use the facility," said Deputy Transportation Secretary Nick Donohue.

Preparation work will start this fall for the $40 million toll plaza in York, Maine, which will accommodate cash payers along with E-ZPass payments. The work is expected to take three years.

State Rep. Ralph Massullo, R-Lecanto, has Floridians' best interests in mind when he recommends extending the Suncoast Parkway north, writes the Citrus County Chronicle editorial board. "Planning the route now is difficult, but it is incredibly important to get the job done," this editorial states.

Supporters of a ballot initiative to require voter approval of tolling in Oregon started collecting signatures after receiving the secretary of state's authorization. "When it comes to imposing user fees, which is what tolling is, people want to have a voice in it," said state Transportation Commissioner Sean O'Hollaren.

Semitruck use in the US is growing and is creating additional highway maintenance demands. Revenue generated by tolls is one way to keep up with highway maintenance and construction needs, notes the International Bridge, Tunnel and Turnpike Association.

The University of Nevada at Reno teamed up with the Beijing Institute of Technology to create a simulator that's designed to intelligently optimize traffic in the Reno, Nev., area. "It essentially helps us learn how to make the streets and highways of Reno more cost-effective and manageable," said professor Zong Tian.

Ford Motor Co. has created a separate entity for its self-driving vehicle business so it can take advantage of external investment, the company said. Ford said it plans to spend $4 billion through 2023 on developing autonomous vehicles.

Bill Shuster, R-Pa., chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, plans to introduce an infrastructure bill that includes a 15-cent-per-gallon tax on gas and a 20-cent-per-gallon tax on diesel to help fund grants and major national infrastructure projects. The taxes would be eliminated in 2028.

The Rhode Island Department of Transportation is hosting public meetings to receive comments on an environmental assessment of 10 new toll gantry sites. Communications Director Lisbeth Pettengill says the gantries would be installed over about 18 months.

Register now and plan your travel for September 5-7, 2018. You may view the program here.

IBTTA's Annual Meeting & Exhibition brings together experts from around the world to collaborate on a wide-ranging slate of technical, management and policy issues affecting the tolling industry. Learn from your peers through panel presentations, discussions, networking events and exhibitions featuring cutting-edge products and services. No matter where you are in the tolling industry, this is an event you don't want to miss! Check out the program, register now and book your hotel today.