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| Atkins scoops up three major US tolling contracts Atkins has won three new contracts to oversee transport solutions for highway authorities in Florida, California and Texas, underlining the company's status as one of the world's leading consultants in the field. Atkins has served as program manager or engineering consultant for more than 30 toll or public-sector agencies in the US, and has provided toll related services for capital improvements exceeding $25 billion. In Florida, Atkins has been selected as general engineering consultant (GEC) for Florida's Turnpike Enterprise (FTE). Atkins has been providing GEC services for the last 25 years for FTE, providing all aspects of program implementation, engineering support of the financial program, and toll operations. Consisting of 460 miles of tolled highways, more than 1.8 million motorists travel on Florida's Turnpike every day and is considered to be one of the busiest highways in the US. Atkins will continue to work with FTE to deliver dozens of projects over the next five years. In California's San Francisco Bay area, Atkins will serve as the Metropolitan Transportation Commission's (MTC) toll system manager for the Regional Express Lane Network electronic toll system. The five-year contract calls for Atkins to provide strategic advice, develop system requirements, and support the procurement of a system integrator. The first phase of the MTC Program will create 76 lane miles of new express toll lanes that are due to open to traffic in 2015. Express lanes provide a road pricing option that allows drivers to switch into a high occupancy vehicle lane to avoid traffic if they are willing to pay. The charge is varied according to traffic conditions and time of day with charges collected via an in-car transponder that motorists have to fit to their vehicles. The system is extremely flexible as motorists can choose to turn it on or off depending on whether they are in the charging lane. If they are carrying passengers they can also use the pay lane without charge. Buses and motorcycles are exempt from payments. In Texas, Atkins has been awarded the GEC contract to provide the North Texas Tollway Authority (NTTA) with annual asset inspection services, independent review and certifications of the engineering financial program and construction fund payments, bi-annual progress reports, and independent review and certifications following construction completion. This is NTTA's first new GEC contract in more than 60 years. After a competitive selection process, the Authority voted unanimously to engage Atkins. write your comments about the article :: © 2013 Construction News :: home page |