SunPass Challenge: North System

In 2002, the Florida Turnpike Enterprise (FTE) desired necessary improvements to support higher SunPass usage system-wide throughout the state. SunPass is Florida’s electronic tolling system that automatically deducts the toll charge from a driver’s prepaid account through a transponder as the car passes through the lanes. To meet the higher usage goals, the FTE proposed to increase the number of SunPass-only lanes from 100 to 200 and double the percentage of SunPass transactions from 25 percent to 50 percent.

RS&H assisted the FTE with this expedited initiative, providing construction, engineering, and inspection services on six SunPass-only conversion projects in the northern system, located in Orange, Lake, Osceola, and Seminole counties and new construction of a SunPass Only Ramp (SOR) located at MP 255, an interchange the Kissimmee/Orlando area. The project involved modifying and upgrading existing toll plazas to add dedicated SunPass lane. Our team worked closely with Toll Operations and subcontractors for seamless installation of toll equipment and expedited the opening of facilities.

Projects were completed on-time and on-budget and included:

• The Three Lakes Mainline Barrier Plaza – Converted four existing lanes to E-Pass Only lanes
• The Orlando South Ramp Plaza – Added two structures and widened the ramps in each direction to convert to Sunpass Only lanes at US17/92/441
• Consulate Drive Ramp Plaza – This newly constructed ramp included the construction of a SunPass only overhead gantry structure

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