RALEIGH— America's Transportation Awards has recognized the Monroe Expressway with a regional “Best Use of Technology and Innovation" award. The award was presented to the North Carolina Turnpike Authority at the Southeastern Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (SASHTO) 80th Annual Conference.
James “JJ" Eden, Executive Director, North Carolina Turnpike Authority, said, “We're delighted to see the Monroe Expressway receive regional recognition for its innovative approach to transportation. In particular, we're grateful to the residents, businesses, and educational institutions in Union County for their strong support of this project."
The Monroe Expressway is an 18-mile tolled bypass of U.S. 74 in Union County that opened to traffic November 2018. Drivers who choose to take this route pay tolls with a prepaid NC Quick Pass account or receive a bill in the mail based on the vehicle registration.
In its nominating application, the North Carolina Turnpike Authority (NCTA) cited the innovative use of tolling to fund the construction of the Monroe Expressway faster than the project could be delivered through traditional means, bringing congestion relief to a heavily traveled region of the state. In addition, the use of all-electronic tolling technology makes the Monroe Expressway more convenient to use than traditional toll facilities with booths, which means no stopping or slowing down.
Both the Union County Chamber of Commerce and Wingate University provided testimonials to SASHTO in support of the Monroe Expressway. By winning at the regional level, the Monroe Expressway will advance to compete for a national award from the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials.
America's Transportation Awards program, sponsored by AASHTO, AAA and the U. S. Chamber of Commerce, recognizes DOT's for providing projects that make their communities a better place to live, work and play.
For more information about the Monroe Expressway and other NCTA projects, visit ncquickpass.com and follow @NCTurnpike and @NC_QuickPass on Twitter.