The Tacoma Narrows Bridge, a pair of suspension bridges carrying traffic out of the City of Tacoma, has been upgraded with AI-based digital lane tolling technology by traffic management systems specialist TransCore. The project has replaced toll equipment across six toll booth lanes, four eastbound Highway 16 lanes, and the 24th Street Northwest on-ramp.

The new tolling system was contracted by the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) and is intended as a comprehensive modernisation of the twin bridges’ tolling infrastructure.

The new tolling system features TransCore’s AI-based overhead Vehicle Classification and Tracking System (VCATS), Vehicle Capture and Recognition System (VCARS), and automatic license plate recognition (ALPR) solution. These modular subsystems are integrated into TransCore’s new Infinity Digital Lane System. They provide vehicle classification without need for in-pavement sensors.

To improve performance and disaster resilience, the project includes deployment of an off-site backup server to safeguard tolling data during outages or natural disasters.

The system upgrades allow drivers to use expanded payment options. Drivers using attended toll booths can pay by cash, card, or tap and pay, while those in open-road tolling (ORT) lanes can pay via a registered Good To Go! account or receive a Pay By Mail bill.

The addition of tap-and-pay functionality—responding to direct customer requests—provides a faster, more convenient option for users at toll booths.

“WSDOT is nationally recognised for its forward-thinking approach to tolling,” said Whitt Hall, TransCore President and Chief Executive Officer. “This deployment marks a key milestone for TransCore, with our latest AI-powered tolling system now fully operational. It underscores how our technology continues to evolve—delivering cutting-edge innovation with the proven reliability that customers have trusted for decades. We remain committed to developing future-ready solutions that help agencies meet tomorrow’s challenges with confidence.”