Developing traffic control strategies at toll plazas

As more agencies turn to toll financing for construction of new roads, the need for consistent toll plaza traffic control guidelines is growing. This paper provides a brief history of toll roads in the United States and summarizes a report published by the Federal Highway Administration entitled "State of the Practice and Recommendations on Traffic Control Strategies at Toll Plazas." The chapters of the report address plaza operations and toll lane configuration; signing, markings and channelization; geometric and safety design; and toll collection equipment technology. The report concludes with a summary of all recommended practices. This publication represents a first step in providing consistent design and operation guidance and encouraging continued discussions to build a consensus for the formation of uniform traffic control strategies.