Express Lanes

AMG opened Northern California’s first Express Lane in 2010 and continues to lead regional programs advancing smart mobility, dynamic pricing, and congestion management across the Bay Area.

AMG staff in their prior roles as public agency leadership, made regional history by opening Northern California’s first Express Lane on I-680 in 2010—introducing state-of-the-art tolling technology and a new era of traffic management for the Bay Area. At the forefront of innovation, AMG staff helped craft the tolling policies and business rules that shaped express lane operations statewide, integrating dynamic pricing and automated enforcement long before they became standard practice.

Collaborating closely with partners such as BATA, MTC, Caltrans, and CHP, AMG ensured seamless coordination across agencies, delivering a connected regional network that continues to optimize corridor performance and driver experience. This pioneering work set the foundation for subsequent express lane project work—including I-580 and I-880 Express Lanes in Alameda County and I-680 Express Lanes in Contra Costa.

At a Glance

  • Dynamic Pricing and Smart Mobility

    Real-time tolling keeps traffic flowing, maintaining travel speeds typically 10 mph faster than general-purpose lanes during peak periods.

  • Systemwide Effeciency

    Converts underutilized HOV capacity into Express Lanes, improving overall corridor throughput and travel reliability.

  • Regional Leadership

    AMG staff led Express Lane planning, policy, design, financing, and operations in Alameda County and continues to provide oversight on active projects in Contra Costa County as CCTA’s Program Management consultant.

  • Proven Experience

    Opened Northern California’s first Express Lane on I-680 in 2010, setting the standard for future corridors.

  • Community Experience

    AMG implemented robust outreach and education programs ensuring smooth public adoption and understanding of new tolling systems.

AMG staff played a pivotal role in advancing express lane projects throughout the Bay Area—helping agencies deliver technology-driven mobility improvements on some of the region’s most congested corridors.

I-580 Express Lanes – Alameda County
Opened in 2016 through Dublin, Pleasanton, and Livermore, the I-580 Express Lanes converted HOV lanes to dynamically priced toll lanes along one of the Bay Area’s busiest corridors. AMG provided oversight for the $336 million suite of projects encompassing new HOV and Express Lanes, right-of-way acquisition, auxiliary lane construction, toll and ramp metering systems, and pavement rehabilitation. AMG also led the Joint Powers Authority responsible for implementing and operating Alameda County’s Express Lanes—managing every phase from planning and financing to operations and system implementation.

I-680 Express Lanes – Alameda County
As the first Express Lane in Northern California, the I-680 Southbound Express Lane opened in 2010, converting 14 miles of HOV lanes between SR 84 and SR 237. AMG directed project development from conception to operation, procuring design and integration teams, programming funds, managing budgets and schedules, and coordinating across Caltrans, BATA, BAIFA, and CHP. AMG also led extensive public education and outreach to ensure a successful launch and smooth transition for drivers.

Contra Costa Express Lanes Program
AMG continues to provide program management oversight for I-680 express lanes in Contra Costa County. The team assisted CCTA in preparing the successful MEGA Program grant application that secured federal funding for the Complete Express Lanes Gap Closure Project—advancing a continuous express lane corridor through the region.

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I-80 Integrated Corridor Mobility HAWK Signals