Testing will help ensure successful launch
Nov. 30, 2016 – The Tolling Body for the Louisville – Southern Indiana Ohio River Bridges Project today approved a resolution for tolling to begin when final system production readiness testing is complete and representatives for the states agree the toll collection system should be implemented.
“The accuracy of all tolling transactions is paramount, which is why the entire system is undergoing such rigorous testing,” said Jim Stark, Indiana Department of Transportation deputy commissioner of innovative project delivery. “When we as a Body have confirmed that the system is fully operational, tolling will begin.”
Testing to date has included “end to end” system testing of vehicles in a lab-type setting, with vehicles passing through toll gantries on a test track in New York and simulating customers using the account management system.
Testing will soon shift to final readiness tests that will include RiverLink equipment and representatives. Test vehicles will be crossing the East End, Kennedy and Lincoln bridges, as well as crossing under the gantry at Court Avenue in Jeffersonville.
“RiverLink is a brand new tolling system,” said Greg Thomas, Secretary of the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet. “We are thoroughly testing the system to help ensure a successful launch. Drivers will be best prepared for the start of tolling by opening a RiverLink account and getting a transponder.”
A start date for tolling is expected to be announced after final testing has been completed.
Joint Board Passes Three Resolutions
Both the Joint Board and Tolling Body met today. The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) commissioner, the Indiana public finance director, the Kentucky Public Transportation Infrastructure Authority (KPTIA) chairman and the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet secretary, or their designees, make up the project’s Joint Board. The Tolling Body includes the four Joint Board members and an appointed member from each state.
The Joint Board approved three resolutions. One resolution authorizes changes to the contract with Kapsch TrafficCom, the toll system provider. Changes include allowing contract work to be delivered in smaller testable sections. Another change approved a compatible transformer for the power circuit feeding the East End Crossing equipment pad.
Another resolution authorizes the Kentucky Public Transportation Infrastructure Authority, KPTIA, to procure electronic tolling equipment. As a member of the E-ZPass network, KPTIA may have access to better prices for equipment.
The third resolution authorizes KPTIA to hire hearing officers. Once tolling begins, a person will be able to contest a toll violation by way of an administrative hearing.
Tens of Thousands Have RiverLink Transponders
Drivers with transponders will pay the lowest toll rates. Thousands of drivers have already opened their RiverLink accounts. More than 70,000 RiverLink transponders have been requested to date. Just over 110,000 drivers are expected to use the tolled bridges each day.
Nearly 60,000 RiverLink local transponders have been distributed and nearly 13,000 RiverLink E-ZPass transponders ordered. RiverLink E-ZPass transponders will be distributed, free of charge, just before the start of tolling when RiverLink is ready to service accounts in all 16 E-ZPass states. More than 30,000 families and more than 1,200 businesses have opened RiverLink accounts.
“The fact that tens of thousands of transponders have been requested tells us that drivers are getting the message – opening a prepaid RiverLink account will save them money,” said Clint Murphy, director of tolling oversight for INDOT. “If drivers have been waiting to open their accounts, we want them to know now is the time to act. We’re in the final stages of testing the system and we expect tolling to soon begin.”
Opening a RiverLink Account
Drivers can open a personal account online at www.RiverLink.com, by phone at 855-RIV-LINK, in person at one of two RiverLink customer service centers, the Nia Center and the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles in Jeffersonville. A personal account can include up to four vehicles, with a minimum balance of $20 to open the account.
The minimum balance to open a commercial account is $20 per vehicle. Calling a customer service representative (855-RIV-LINK) is the fastest and easiest way for a business to open an account.
Customer service centers are located at 400 East Main Street in Louisville and 103 Quartermaster Court in Jeffersonville. The centers are open 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday – Friday. They are also open 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. Saturday.\
Choice of Transponders
A RiverLink local transponder is free of charge, one per registered vehicle. The small sticker adheres to the inside of the windshield, is non-transferable and will work only on local tolled bridges. Drivers choosing a RiverLink local transponder receive it when setting up their account, either in person or in the mail.
A RiverLink E-ZPass transponder is $15 per transponder. It’s mounted to the inside of the windshield, is portable from vehicle to vehicle registered to a single account and works in all 16 E-ZPass states (http://ift.tt/29y8yfb).
RiverLink is the new tolling system making the Louisville – Southern Indiana Ohio River Bridges Project possible. RiverLink is all-electronic tolling, with no toll booths, no coin machines, no lines and no stopping. Toll rates range from $2-$12.
The new Abraham Lincoln Bridge, the improved Kennedy Bridge and the new East End bridge will be tolled. The Sherman Minton Bridge and the Clark Memorial Bridge will not be tolled in connection with the project. Find more information at www.riverlink.com.
###
The Louisville – Southern Indiana Ohio River Bridges Project includes two new bridges and their approaches, an improved Kennedy Bridge and reconstruction of the Kennedy Interchange, where I-65, I-64 and I-71 come together in downtown Louisville. The new Abraham Lincoln Bridge carries six lanes of I-65 northbound traffic. The improved Kennedy Bridge carries six lanes of southbound traffic. The new East End bridge will connect the Gene Snyder Freeway in Prospect, Kentucky with State Road 265 (Lee Hamilton Highway) in Utica, Indiana. Find more details on the Ohio River Bridges Project at www.kyinbridges.com.
via East End Crossing http://ift.tt/2fMo2dQ
