Harnessing Advanced Technologies to Eliminate Recurring Freeway Congestion

Abstract

The Operate-Design-Build-Operate (ODBC)) highway infrastructure-financing approach presented in this paper attempts to eliminate recurring freeway congestion by introducing congestion-based tolls prior to infrastructure investment with all surplus revenue dedicated for infrastructure expansion. Not only would the existing highway system operate more efficiently; but so would the expanded system. Up-front toll revenues would help pay for expensive urban freeway expansion projects, making them more financially feasible. New public-private partnership approaches are suggested that employ outcome-based contracting systems and financial incentives to maximize public mobility goals. Implementation of road pricing is faced with numerous constraints, including economic, financial, operational, political, social, and technological considerations. This paper attempts to deal with multiple considerations on a comprehensive basis, illustrating ways to accommodate high levels of system performance and economic efficiency within a broad framework of public acceptance and political reality.