IBTTA announces Toll Excellence & DEI Awards winners

The International Bridge, Tunnel, and Turnpike Association (IBTTA) has announced the winners of the 2024 Toll Excellence Awards and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Awards. 

• Administration and Finance: Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) for the I-405 Improvement Project / 405 Express Lanes

o Golden State Game-Changer: The I-405 Improvement Project introduced the 405 Express Lanes, transforming congestion relief along one of California’s busiest freeways. By implementing congestion management pricing and securing substantial public support, OCTA has set a high standard for large-scale infrastructure projects.

• Customer Service & Marketing: Illinois Tollway for I-PASS Assist

o Land of Lincoln Leads: The I-PASS Assist program dramatically increased accessibility and affordability for underserved communities, setting a precedent for equitable tollway travel through innovative customer support and outreach initiatives.

• Private Sector Innovation: Indra USA, Inc. for 66 Express Outside the Beltway

o Innovating Virginia's Highways: Indra’s implementation of advanced tolling technology on the I-66 corridor has drastically improved traffic flow and lays the groundwork for future advancements in tolling technology, making it a standout project in the industry.

• Safety: Colorado Transportation Investment Office (CTIO) for CTIO Express Lanes Safety Enforcement Program (SEP)

o Mile-High Safety Boost: CTIO’s deployment of the Wireless Autonomous Lane Enforcer (WAL-E) technology has significantly enhanced express lane safety, reducing serious injury crashes and setting new benchmarks for sustainable and cost-effective enforcement.

• Social Responsibility: Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority for the Gordie Howe International Bridge

o Windsor and Detroit's New Gateway: The Gordie Howe International Bridge project exemplifies excellence in social responsibility, fostering social change through extensive community engagement and environmental stewardship while contributing billions to local economic growth. 

• Technology: North Carolina Department of Transportation, Turnpike Authority for Back Office System 2 Using Cloud Technologies and APIs

o Tar Heel Turnpike: NC DOT’s BOS2 has revolutionized toll transaction processing and customer service, setting a new industry standard with its scalable, cloud-based infrastructure and enhanced user experience.

• Toll Operations, Engineering and Maintenance: Tampa Hillsborough Expressway Authority (THEA) for East Selmon Slip Ramps

o Navigating the Sunshine City: THEA’s innovative slip ramps have eased congestion on the Selmon Expressway, improving traffic flow and safety while optimizing future infrastructure investments.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Awards

IBTTA’s DEI Awards honour organisations that demonstrate an outstanding commitment to fostering a diverse, equitable and inclusive workplace and community. 

The 2024 DEI Award winners are:

• Public Sector Award Winner: 407 ETR’s DEI Program

o Building diversity and inclusivity on and off the road: 407 ETR’s DEI Program has driven meaningful change within the tolling industry, enhancing workplace diversity and community engagement, and setting new benchmarks for inclusivity and equity.

• Private Sector Award Winner: Dewberry IDEA (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility) Program

o Private Sector Impact: Dewberry’s IDEA Program has cultivated a vibrant, inclusive culture and demonstrated strong supplier diversity, contributing significantly to community and STEM education initiatives across the nation.

The Toll Excellence and DEI Awards will be presented during IBTTA’s 92nd Annual Meeting & Exhibition in Cleveland, Ohio, from 26-29 October.