TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT: I-15 express lanes named Calif. foundation’s “Project of the Year”

The California Transportation Foundation named the I-15 express lanes as its 2012 Project of the Year Award winner on Sunday. It becomes the 24th transportation project to earn the honor.

CTF Executive Director Sarah West said that “project impact” was a significant factor in the selection, citing a reduction in travel times on I-15 from 50 minutes in 2003 to 19 minutes as of February. Final work was completed on the 20-mile, four-lane highway in January.

The express lanes utilize the FasTrak electronic toll system to charge solo drivers who use them. The corridor also features a movable concrete barrier down the middle that can be used to channel traffic in the event of an emergency.

More than 310,000 vehicles utilize I-15 each day on average, traveling between Escondido and Kearny Mesa.

According to West, other criteria for the selection include innovative financing, sustainability, creativity, innovation and technology.