Cashless Tolling Design

Under this assignment, SJH provided Quality Assurance Review Services to the New York State Thruway Authority for their Design-Build Cashless Tolling Implementation Program on a task order basis.

The New York State Thruway Authority implemented a Cashless Tolling system that replaced toll booths with overhead gantries on the mainline of the Thruway. The mainline tolling consisted of eleven interchange-to-interchange connections and five endpoints previously handled by the ticket system. The strategic and cost-effective placement of gantries allowed for the removal of toll plazas in most locations, improving the infrastructure and traffic flow in affected areas. Modifications to the Thruway’s super elevations enabled high speeds through gantry areas, along with landscaping, electrical work, and the construction of communication buildings.

The design oversight and quality assurance activities included interpretation and responses to “real-time” and “over-the-shoulder” reviews while verifying that the design met the overall contract requirements. SJH was responsible for the Quality Reviews of the design plans related to structural engineering. SJH reviewed the support gantries, sign structures, foundations, and other structures. The reviews ensured compliance with related design loads, codes, and applicable Authority guidelines. In addition to design documents, SJH reviewed the Design-Build team’s proposed design changes to the original preliminary design packages. Through this assignment, SJH gained extensive experience working with NYSTA and fully understands the Authority’s guidelines and requirements.