Indra Deploys Connected Vehicle Tolling on North Carolina’s I-485 Express Lanes, a U.S. First in Highway Innovation
The future of highway tolling has officially arrived in North Carolina. Indra, a global leader in smart mobility and infrastructure solutions, has announced that it will bring its Connected Vehicle Tolling solution (C-V2X Toll) to the I-485 Express Lanes, making it the first highway in the United States to adopt and deploy this next-generation technology.
This milestone introduces a paradigm shift in tolling operations. Instead of relying on physical transponders, third-party mobile apps, or additional onboard devices, connected vehicles equipped with vehicle-to-everything (V2X) technology will now be able to receive tolling information directly through their in-car systems. For drivers, the change promises an easier, faster, and more seamless way to navigate toll lanes. For the transportation industry, it represents the beginning of a broader shift toward interoperability, data-driven safety, and connected mobility at scale.
North Carolina Takes the Lead
The North Carolina Turnpike Authority (NCTA), part of the North Carolina Department of Transportation, selected Indra to pioneer this innovation as part of its long-term mission to create smarter, safer, and more reliable highway systems.
Commenting on the collaboration, JJ Eden, Executive Director of the NCTA, explained the strategic vision behind the project:
We are working with our partners to unleash the next generation of driving. This project will help us build a safer, more convenient transportation network that can support the future needs of drivers everywhere.”
For North Carolina, the deployment is about more than simply improving toll payments. It is a step toward an intelligent transportation ecosystem, where connected vehicles, smart infrastructure, and digital services converge to deliver greater safety, efficiency, and driver satisfaction.
Building on Proven Success
Although the I-485 Express Lanes project is a U.S. first, the technology has already proven itself in real-world testing. Indra previously partnered with Audi and Qualcomm Technologies to demonstrate C-V2X tolling at the OmniAir PlugFest hosted at Florida’s Turnpike Enterprise’s SunTrax facility in Orlando.
During these demonstrations, connected vehicles successfully communicated with roadside infrastructure, processed toll payments, and displayed real-time tolling information directly in the dashboard. These trials showcased not only the technical readiness of Indra’s solution but also its ability to integrate seamlessly into existing open road tolling systems.
The SunTrax pilot proved critical in showing how C-V2X technology can reduce congestion on toll roads, streamline payments across regions, and improve driver experience. The I-485 deployment takes the next step: moving from testing to live implementation at scale.
Addressing Tolling Fragmentation in the U.S.
The U.S. tolling landscape today is fragmented and highly regionalized. Toll agencies rely on multiple hubs and proprietary systems that are not yet interoperable nationwide. For drivers, this means carrying multiple transponders or relying on local systems that may not work when traveling across state lines. For tolling authorities, it creates complexity in customer service and settlement operations.
Indra’s C-V2X Toll solution directly addresses this challenge. By enabling vehicles to communicate with roadside systems through standardized V2X technology, tolling becomes:
- Interoperable – A driver traveling across states will have a single, unified experience.
- Transparent – Toll information and payment history can be displayed in real-time on the vehicle dashboard.
- Simplified – No need for apps, transponders, or physical payment stations.
This interoperability will not only reduce friction for motorists but also open the door for new service models in mobility, such as usage-based insurance, integrated trip planning, and cross-state subscription packages.
Safety Benefits Through C-V2X and Advanced Perception
Beyond toll payments, Indra’s deployment is designed to enhance roadway safety by leveraging the same V2X infrastructure for real-time incident detection and communication.
The system integrates Indra’s advanced 3D LiDAR perception and processing technology, which continuously monitors traffic conditions. Roadside sensors can identify potential hazards such as:
- Wrong-way drivers
- Stopped or stalled vehicles
- Pedestrians on the roadway
- Sudden congestion or slow-moving traffic
Once detected, these events are immediately broadcast to connected vehicles through C-V2X messages, alerting drivers in real time and allowing them to respond faster than ever before. This feature represents a significant leap in preventative road safety—one of the most pressing challenges in modern mobility.
As Raúl Ripio, Senior Vice President of Mobility & Technology at Indra, emphasized:
Indra once again demonstrates that collaboration and a strong commitment to innovation result in disruptive technologies that benefit transportation operators, mobility, and travelers alike. We are proud that the North Carolina Turnpike Authority continues to trust our technology to deliver a differential experience for its customers.”
Open Road Tolling on I-485
Alongside C-V2X tolling, Indra has also deployed its all-overhead open road tolling (ORT) system on the I-485 Express Lanes. This system includes 10 gantries that enable fully electronic, non-stop toll collection at highway speeds.
Key features include:
- All equipment mounted overhead on gantries, eliminating the need for ground-level or in-pavement installations.
- Reduced infrastructure footprint, making the system more sustainable and less intrusive to the roadway environment.
- Optimized traffic flow, as drivers can maintain consistent speeds without slowing down for toll booths.
The integration of ORT with C-V2X technology establishes I-485 as one of the most advanced tolling corridors in the U.S., showcasing how digital infrastructure can deliver efficiency, safety, and sustainability simultaneously.
Industry Recognition and Global Exposure
Indra is also bringing this innovation to the global stage. The company is demonstrating its C-V2X Toll and Safety technology at the ITS World Congress in Atlanta, Georgia, one of the leading international forums for intelligent transportation systems.
The event provides an opportunity for industry leaders, government officials, and technology innovators to witness firsthand how the solution works and what it means for the future of tolling and highway management.
Expanding Footprint in U.S. Mobilit
The I-485 Express Lanes project is part of Indra’s broader expansion in the U.S. mobility market. The company has an established track record in delivering innovative tolling and connected vehicle systems across the country.
Some notable projects include:
- I-66 Outside the Beltway (Virginia): Equipped with overhead open road tolling, high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) detection, LiDAR, and connected vehicle technologies.
- I-95, I-495, and I-395 Express Lanes (Northern Virginia): Deployment of advanced HOV detection systems integrated into tolling infrastructure.
These projects highlight Indra’s commitment to transforming U.S. highways into smart mobility corridors that combine tolling efficiency, connected vehicle integration, and real-time safety management.
The Future of Connected Tolling
The launch of C-V2X tolling on I-485 represents the beginning of a new era in highway operations. As more vehicles are manufactured with native V2X capabilities, the demand for interoperable tolling and safety solutions will only grow.
In the near future, drivers can expect:
- Nationwide interoperability between toll systems.
- Integration of tolling with broader mobility services, such as MaaS (Mobility as a Service).
- Enhanced safety communication between vehicles and infrastructure.
- Data-driven operations, using connected vehicle insights to improve traffic management and road planning.
For Indra, the project underscores its role as a pioneer in connected mobility solutions. For North Carolina, it cements the state’s reputation as a leader in innovative, future-ready transportation infrastructure.
