The Register-Herald, Beckley, West Virginia

Local News

July 8, 2010

Parkways Authority OKs new toll system, learns of safety enhancements

By Mannix Porterfield Register-Herald Reporter

CHARLESTON — Almost 11 years have passed since the West Virginia Turnpike installed its computerized toll system, and many parts of it have seen better days.

In fact, while the system hasn’t actually crashed, much of the software has fizzled, forcing the West Virginia Parkways Authority to go online in search of hard-to-come-by replacements.

All that could change in about a year or less.

In the interim, the authority is moving to make the ride safer and turnpike crews more responsive when crises develop.

Authority members Thursday agreed to empower turnpike manager Greg Barr to initial the final phase of a complex, four-part contract with Transcore, as outlined by general counsel A. David Abrams, in the installation of a new toll system.

Abrams told the board the contract is broken down into four parts — implementation, maintenance, software licensing and an escrow agreement.

“Once general counsel gives me the final go-ahead to sign the document, that’s all I need to go and sign,” Barr said.

Transcore was the low bidder able to meet all specifications when proposals were examined back in April.

The contract for the firm, based in both Harrisburg, Pa., and San Diego, is for about $5.9 million.

“It will take about a year to have it up and running,” Barr said.

“We’re going to replace the primary servers, install a whole new back office system that allows our customer service center to permit customers to go online and upgrade balances and customer information.”

Once operational, he said, the new system will make it easier for the motoring public to use the E-ZPass system.

“You can imagine when a system gets 11 years old — the hard drive fails, the power supply fails,” Barr said.

“The problem we’re having for old servers is that parts are getting hard to come by.”

Barr said he expects to be able to sign the contract within two weeks.

Earlier, the board approved $481,000 for its consulting engineer, HNTB, to proceed with one phase of the contract.

When five bids were opened recently, the authority said price amounted to 30 percent of its consideration, while the balance was couched in the technical merit of firms proposing to install the new system.

Meantime, Barr advised the board that the end of September should witness the installation of dynamic message signs that warn drivers of hazards and traffic tie-ups.

Along with the signs will be closed circuit television cameras, working in tandem with integrated communications systems.

Cameras will tell turnpike crews instantly when a traffic snarl develops and the communications network will enable them to work swifter with other state agencies.

A final decision on a policy for using four new emergency gates that allow stranded motorists to make U-turns when a major tie-up occurs is expected soon.

Gates were installed this year, including wide turnaround areas for tractor-trailers, in response to a major gridlock that occurred after the Dec. 18-19 snow blitz that buried southern West Virginia with more than 2 feet of snow.

“This is going to put us in a much better position to deal with future needs of traffic backlogs, backups, accidents — all emergencies,” Barr added.

— E-mail: mannix@register-herald.com

 

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