United States Department of Transportation
i
I-15 express lanes study, phase I : system evaluation.
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2014-06-01
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[PDF-2.35 MB]
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Abstract:The primary objectives of this research included an identification of literature in Utah and nationally on
how changing toll rates, occupancies, and violation rates have had an effect on Express Lane use and an examination
of the utilization of the Express Lanes under a limited number of congestion and pricing scenarios. The results of
this study indicate that while the majority of the Express Lane corridor within the state of Utah is operating within
acceptable ranges set by the Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) and Federal Highway Administration
(FHWA), there are several zones where 10th
percentile speeds have dropped below the 55 mph goal set by UDOT
including Zones 140 and 145 in the AM peak and Zones 145, 250, and 260 in the PM peak. Additionally, the 10th
percentile speeds in Zone 255 in the PM peak have dropped below the FHWA requirement of 45 mph.
There are several methods to reduce the volume in the Express Lanes, which, if implemented, are
anticipated to increase the speeds within these lanes. These methods include: 1) increase Express Lane tolls during
peak periods; 2) increase the High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) limits in the Express Lanes; 3) reduce violation rates
along the corridor through methods such as improved enforcement, education, campaigns, etc. and 4) enforce
current cap for “C” decal vehicles in the Express Lanes and consider options for increasing the number of “C”
decals issued for off-peak travel and/or travel outside of the congested areas during peak periods.
To better understand the impacts of the alternatives additional research is necessary including a detailed
analysis of average vehicle occupancy (AVO) in the Express Lanes and the GP lanes and a more detailed analysis of
enforcement alternatives for the state. Additional research could also include a survey of travelers to better estimate
their toll price elasticity, and a detailed analysis of the geometry of the Express Lane corridor.
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