- Op-Ed: Illinois Tollway Capital Plan And Rate Hike Are A Worthy Investment
- New ViaPlus MLFF System In India Processes Over A Million Transactions In Less Than 60 Days
- Michigan DOT Launches Second Phase Of Blue Water Bridge Plaza Expansion
- Florida Facility Will Host “Flying Car” Test Flights This Year
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Op-Ed: Illinois Tollway Capital Plan And Rate Hike Are A Worthy Investment
In an op-ed column published by the Daily Herald, Kane County, Illinois, Board Chair Corinne Pierog expresses support for Driving Connections, the Illinois Tollway’s proposed $26.5 billion 15-year capital plan.
“These tollways are more than roads; they are the economic backbone of Northern Illinois,” she states. “The proposed toll increase will provide dedicated funding to modernize bridges, improve interchanges, preserve roadways, and enhance safety and reliability throughout the tollway system. These improvements will reduce congestion, improve freight movement, and strengthen Kane County’s connections to the regional and national economy.”
Pierog argues that modern infrastructure is necessary not only to sustain economic activity but also to attract new business investment. She also points to the Tollway’s study of “bus-on-the-shoulder” transit and the potential development of transportation hubs.
“No one welcomes paying more, but quality infrastructure requires responsible, ongoing support,” Pierog writes. “By investing today, we can preserve the safe, reliable transportation system that our residents and businesses depend on while preparing for future growth and economic opportunities.”
New ViaPlus MLFF System In India Processes Over A Million Transactions In Less Than 60 Days
In June, ViaPlus, the VINCI Highways subsidiary, completed the deployment one of India’s first multi-lane free-flow (MLFF) toll systems at Daulatpura on the Delhi–Jaipur Expressway, which connects New Delhi and Rajasthan. Since then, it has processed more than one million vehicle transactions, reflecting the new technology’s performance and reliability.
According to ViaPlus, its Sightline® Image Review Solution is a key component of the Indian system’s successful operation, because the technology must seamlessly process both video toll and transponder transactions. In Texas, where the company serves nine toll facilities across the Dallas, Houston, and Austin metro areas, Sightline supported more than 457 million video transactions during the first two quarters of 2026 alone.
AET (All-Electronic Tolling) India National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) Open-Road Tolling ViaPlus (VINCI Subsidiary) VINCI GroupMichigan DOT Launches Second Phase Of Blue Water Bridge Plaza Expansion
At a ribbon-cutting last week, Michigan DOT and local officials celebrated the “significant completion” of Component 1 of the Blue Water Bridge (BWB) plaza expansion project and the anticipated start of Component 2 on August 10.
According to the agency’s news release, “This approximately $300 million investment will focus primarily on expanding and reconfiguring the southern portion of the plaza. Work will include building an outbound inspection facility for U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and relocating the tolling operation facilities, Duty Free Americas and local access ramp.” The agency predicts that throughout the scheduled five years of construction, traffic impacts will be minimal.
Component 1, which started in the spring of 2025, will officially conclude this fall. “This $36.3 million investment included relocating Exit 275, reconfiguring the 10th Avenue/Pine Grove Avenue intersection and rebuilding eastbound I-94/I-69 at the MDOT maintenance facility location.” Noise walls were also added, as well as a pedestrian pathway and green space.
The project is funded in part by a $25 million federal Infrastructure for Rebuilding America (INFRA) grant.
Canada ETC Systems Highway-Tunnel-Bridge Maintenance Michigan Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) Ontario US Department of Homeland Security (DHS)Florida Facility Will Host “Flying Car” Test Flights This Year
SunTrax, the 775-acre campus in Polk County initially designed to test connected and autonomous vehicles, has been adapted for testing advanced air mobility (AAM) technology — specifically electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, or “flying cars.” It will be the country’s first dedicated AAM aerial test track.
“AAM will offer a brand-new transportation option to Florida’s communities that will relieve congestion and restore regional air services in the state. With this resource, Florida expects to host a series of AAM test flights by the end of the year,” a news release from the Florida Governor’s Office states. “AAM has the potential to provide new transportation options for passenger air taxis, cargo delivery, medical transportation and emergency response.”
Florida Transportation Secretary Jared Perdue said, “SunTrax and Florida’s strategic plan to take highways to the sky are prime examples of why Florida remains a global leader in transportation.” The agency is partnering with Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and Polk State College to develop related educational pathways and career training opportunities.
Separately, Waymo’s autonomous ride-hailing service has expanded from Miami and Orlando to highways across South Florida. The company is also planning to establish its service in Tampa.
Advanced Air Mobility (Air Taxis) Florida Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) SunTrax Transportation and Infrastructure Research & DevelopmentSubscription Information
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