Optimization-Based Framework and Decision-Support Tool for Bridge Toll Implementation Under Behavioral and Operational Constraints

This project aims to develop a novel theoretical framework and a practical decision-support tool to guide strategic bridge toll implementation under real-world behavioral and operational constraints. Traditional toll optimization and project evaluation models focus on market uncertainties but neglect critical human behavioral factors, such as present bias, that significantly influence decision outcomes. To bridge this gap, the proposed research introduces an optimization framework that integrates behavioral dynamics into infrastructure decision-making, enabling the identification of strategies that maximize long-term social welfare while addressing short-term user response and implementation pressures. The accompanying decision-support tool will translate this framework into an interactive, user-friendly platform for transportation agencies and policymakers. It will allow users to simulate and compare alternative tolling strategies, assess implementation timelines, and visualize trade-offs between system efficiency, user response, and long-term performance outcomes. By empowering decision-makers to make data-driven, welfare-maximizing choices, this project supports more effective, publicly acceptable, and operationally robust tolling practices. The research will generate theoretical advances, peer-reviewed publications, and an actionable tool ready for integration with Florida Department of Transportation's (FDOT’s) planning processes, ultimately contributing to more resilient, safe and efficient transportation infrastructure systems.

• Record URL:
  • https://abc-utc.fiu.edu/optimization-based-framework-and-decision-support-tool-for-bridge-toll-implementation-under-behavioral-and-operational-constraints/

Language

• English

Project

• Status: Active
• Funding: $95,800.00
• Contract Numbers:

  69A3552348322

• Sponsor Organizations:

  Innovative Bridge Technologies/Accelerated Bridge Construction University Transportation Center (IBT/ABC-UTC)

  Florida International University
  Miami, FL  United States 

  Office of the Assistant Secretary for Research and Technology

  University Transportation Centers Program
  Department of Transportation
  Washington, DC  United States  20590
• Performing Organizations:

  Florida A&M University, Tallahassee

  404 Foote/Hilyer
  Tallahassee, FL  United States  32307
• Principal Investigators:

  Guo, Qianwen

• Start Date: 20260101
• Expected Completion Date: 0
• Actual Completion Date: 0
• USDOT Program: University Transportation Centers

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Alternatives analysis; Behavior; Bridges; Decision support systems; Implementation; Optimization; Tolls
• Identifier Terms: Florida Department of Transportation
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Finance; Highways; Planning and Forecasting;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01987967
• Record Type: Research project
• Source Agency: Innovative Bridge Technologies/Accelerated Bridge Construction University Transportation Center (IBT/ABC-UTC)
• Contract Numbers: 69A3552348322
• Files: UTC, RIP
• Created Date: Apr 27 2026 7:59PM