United Toll Systems in lead for Parkway collections

BROOMFIELD — The Northwest Parkway board identified an Alabama company in late August as the frontrunner to build the toll collection system. Steve Hogan, executive director of the Northwest Parkway Public Highway Authority, said United Toll Systems of Wetumpka, Ala. must present cost estimates to the board along with explanations as to how the company will fit toll collection needs for the proposed Northwest Parkway. If company President Jim Allen can convince the board that his company will best serve the project, the job is his. United Toll is also under consideration to operate the toll collection system, which includes the toll plaza at the front of the parkway, Hogan said. The option is available to choose a separate company to run the toll system. The toll system is expected to cost between $20 million and $40 million, members of Washington Group International said at the Aug. 22 board meeting. Washington Group, formerly Morrison-Knudson, was contracted to detail costs associated with the parkway project, Hogan said. The group is developing a negotiating price for the toll system to be ready by Sept. 15.