Leeville, La. – The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) opened its new in-lane service option, or cash and charge lane, for motorists at the La. 1 toll road on yesterday. In response to motorists concerns, DOTD is continuing to modify the lane configurations to allow GeauxPass toll tag users to travel freely through the toll gantry while motorists wanting to utilize the cash and charge lane are better aware of the proper lane to use.
“As we gain experience with this new process, we will be making adjustments to improve efficiency,” said Rhett Desselle, DOTD Assistant Secretary of Operations. “We are striping the intersection and adding signage to alert drivers of which lanes to use.”
Early this morning, DOTD work crews begin painting the lanes to indicate which one was “CASH” for the in-lane service users, and which one was “TAG” for the GeauxPass users. They also applied an arrow in the left or tag lane to direct GeauxPass users, or drivers who may have previously purchased single trips, to continue through. DOTD engineers will continue to monitor the new toll gantry for mitigation.
The system, known as an automated toll payment machine (ATPM), went into operation yesterday morning and is designed to offer multiple payment solutions for non-GeauxPass or non-toll tag customers to cross the La. 1 Bridge to go south to Port Fourchon and Grand Isle.
The new machines will have the capability to accept all forms of payment – coins, cash (exact change is not necessary), credit cards, and debit cards – giving customers the ability to pay the toll in a way that is most suitable to them. Preexisting GeauxPass account holders may continue paying tolls using their online accounts or stopping by the Golden Meadow Customer Service Center; however, single trip purchases will no longer be an option. Any kiosk transaction made prior to the cash lane opening will be valid for 90 days, or until Sept. 20, 2012.
Motorists not wishing to wait in line at the ATPM are encouraged to open a GeauxPass account at www.geauxpass.com.
DOTD would like to remind truckers that all southbound loads wider 13 feet will be permitted through the department’s truck permits section to pass around the median barrier, on the northbound side with a state police escort.
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www.dotd.la.gov