Title: BLENDING TECHNOLOGIES TO MANAGE TRAFFIC: INTERSTATE 476 IN PENNSYLVANIA
Abstract: Several state departments of transportation and metropolitan planning organizations are currently implementing Advanced Traffic Management Systems (ATMS) to reduce congestion and improve incident management. The successful implementation of ATMS demands a robust communications infrastructure and proven sensor, information processing, and control technologies. Since the application and system design of these technologies are relatively new to the traffic environment, the federal government and state departments of transportation are conducting operational tests and early action programs. These tests and programs are expected to facilitate the agencies' ability to evaluate system performance, and will provide valuable experience in determining appropriate technologies and applications for full-fledged ATMS implementation. The programs are also intended to educate motorists and accustom them to facilities equipped with the new technologies. Among the priority corridors for the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation is Interstate 476, a major highway serving the Philadelphia region. The I-476 Traffic and Incident Management System (TIMS) project in Pennsylvania is unique among ATMS projects nationwide because it integrates ATMS hardware and software components using a variety of communications technologies. This article takes an in-depth look at the I-476 TIMS project, examining exactly what I-476 TIMS is, what it includes, how the project was initiated, and how it works. The elements of design, including the closed-circuit television monitoring system, incident detection system, ramp metering system, central hardware and software systems, advanced vehicle detector test station, geographic information system, and traffic control center, are described, along with the system and technology evaluations that will be conducted in accordance with FHWA's Intelligent Vehicle-Highway Systems Operational Test Evaluation Guidelines.
Publication Year: 1996
Publication Date: 1996-03-01
Language: en
Type: article
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Cited By Count: 1
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