RMTA’s Installation of Historic Gantry Marks Major Engineering Milestone for its Transition to All-Electronic Tolling - Richmond Metropolitan Transportation Authority

Media Contact:

Tia Freeman, Strategic Communications Manager

Richmond Metropolitan Transportation Authority

Mobile: 804-807-4686

Phone: 804-523-3325

RMTA’s Installation of Historic Gantry Marks Major Engineering Milestone for its Transition to All-Electronic Tolling

Richmond, VA (October 23, 2025) – The Richmond Metropolitan Transportation Authority (RMTA) will reach a major milestone in its conversion to all-electronic tolling (AET) with the installation of a 180-foot single-span tolling gantry on Saturday, October 25 in the evening. Media who want access to the construction site during the installation should contact Tia Freeman, Strategic Communications Manager, RMTA,to receive the media advisoryoutlining the RSVP process needed to obtain the required access pass.

Designed for both aesthetic impact and structural performance, the RMTA gantry sets a new benchmark in long-span tolling architecture. Its construction is a significant milestone that highlights RMTA’s leadership in modernizing tolling infrastructure and demonstrates the feasibility of long-span, end-supported gantries for future intelligent transportation systems.

The gantry is envisioned as a symbolic gateway to the city of Richmond, blending tradition and progress. Its towers, which will feature classic brick and stone once fully constructed, honor the city’s architectural heritage, while the sleek truss embodies Richmond’s forward-looking spirit and modern aspirations. The truss section weighs 69,207 pounds, and the two columns 6,900 pounds each.

TRAFFIC ADVISORY

As part of preparation and the construction, motorists can expect multiple lane closures and intermittent stoppages up to 20 minutes at the Powhite Parkway (VA 76) northbound and southbound beginning Saturday, October 25, 8:00 p.m. to Sunday October 26, 6:00 a.m. See the full traffic advisory details here.

ABOUT ALL-ELECTRONIC TOLLING

All-electronic tolling is a toll collection system that eliminates the need for toll booths, cash payments and manual transactions. With AET, an overhead structure – known as a gantry – identifies vehicles and processes tolls electronically. Drivers pay with E-ZPass or a camera takes images of their license plates, and they receive statements in the mail, known as Pay-By-Plate.

By eliminating the need to stop or slow down, all-electronic tolling makes travel smoother, safer, and more efficient. AET minimizes traffic congestion, lane changes and sudden stops, improving overall traffic flow and lowering vehicle emissions to support cleaner air and a healthier environment. It fosters a better driving experience for Richmond-area commuters.

For more information on AET, visit RMTAonline.org/all-electronic-tolling. To stay up to date on AET project construction, traffic advisories and more, visit the RMTA News and Notices webpage or follow RMTA on Facebook, LinkedIn, X, and Instagram.

RMTA is an independent authority and political subdivision that was created by an act of the Virginia General Assembly in 1966. RMTA owns and operates three roadways in the Greater Richmond Region – the Powhite Parkway, Downtown Expressway and Boulevard Bridge.

###