Illinois Tollway Executive Director José Alvarez Selected to Serve on Board of International Tolling Organization 

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Illinois Tollway Executive Director José Alvarez has been elected to serve on the board of directors of the International Bridge, Tunnel & Turnpike Association, the worldwide organization representing toll agencies and operators.

The IBTTA, which represents roadway agencies in 26 countries on six continents, provides advocacy, education and leadership in implementing state-of-the-art technology and developing best practice standards for the user-financed transportation industry.

“I’m honored to join the IBTTA board and eager to assist my colleagues in this organization in developing and implementing innovative solutions that will help improve our roadways and transportation networks during these challenging times,” Alvarez said. “Working together, I’m optimistic that the tolling industry will lead the way into a brighter future by generating new investments in infrastructure that will help expand our economies and by adopting new technologies that will provide safer, better transportation for our customers.” 

As the Tollway’s executive director, Alvarez manages the agency’s daily operations, overseeing the agency’s $1.5 billion annual budget and leading the Tollway’s nearly 1,400 employees in providing a safe, effective toll highway system that emphasizes providing outstanding customer service to the Tollway’s 1.6 million daily drivers.

Despite the economic challenges caused by the COVID-19 outbreak, the Illinois Tollway under Alvarez’s leadership is continuing as scheduled with its $14 billion Move Illinois capital program, which currently is rebuilding 22 miles of the Central Tri-State Tollway (I-294) and continuing advance work for the new I-490 Tollway, which will link three existing toll roads to O’Hare International Airport.

The International Bridge, Tunnel & Turnpike Association has long served member organizations helping foster interagency coordination while providing resources and support to tolling agencies nationwide. This year, the Tollway was recognized with an  IBTTA Toll Excellence Award for social responsibility as a result of its investments in the region’s recreational trails that enhance the environment and connect people to nature.

Alvarez’s two-year term on the board of directors begins January 1, 2021.

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