An Analysis of HOT Lanes in North Carolina

Many medium and small-size metropolitan areas in the U.S. face increasing traffic problems similar to large metropolitan areas. These metropolitan areas have responded primarily by expanding their road network and capacity. This paper explores the possibility of using a HOT lane in a medium-size metropolitan area for the same purpose. A detailed analysis and a suggested HOT lane solution are prepared for Greensboro-Winston-Salem-High Point metropolitan area. While high congestion are not widespread in the region now, a highway corridor is identified based on forecasted high congestion in future. The cost of the new lane would be approximately $39.6 million. A basic problem is acceptance of the idea by community residents. The paper presents results of both a commuter survey and a stakeholders survey. The survey analysis shows that there is a significant number of residents who are willing to pay a toll for express service and that there is an even mixture of community leaders in support for the concept.