Intelligent Transportation Systems
A bright road ahead.
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Continuous technological advances in Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) are brightening the future with safer travel and more efficient roadways. ITS integrates a range of communications-based and electronics technology into transportation infrastructure and vehicles. The “real-time” information gathered by ITS systems improves safety and increases mobility by allowing quicker incident response, informing commuters, and providing more efficient public transportation.
SEH partnered with Inrix, a provider of traffic flow information, to provide real-time traffic flow data for nearly 250 centerline miles of US 41, I-43, and WIS 172. The Wisconsin Department of Transportation will use the data to combat traffic and congestion problems. ABOUT ITS ITS is made up of 16 types of technology-based systems, divided into two categories: intelligent infrastructure systems and intelligent vehicle systems. The intelligent infrastructure systems include: Arterial Management, Freeway Management, Transit Management, Incident Management, Emergency Management, Electronic Payment and Pricing, Traveler Information, Crash Prevention and Safety, Roadway Operations and Maintenance, Road Weather Management, Information Management, Commercial Vehicle Operations, and Intermodal Freight. The intelligent vehicle systems include: Collision Avoidance Systems, Driver Assistance Systems, and Collision Notification Systems. Visit www.itsoverview.its.dot.gov for an overview of each of these systems. |
“Local officials and many transportation professionals use ITS as another set of tools in their tool box to help find solutions for tough congestion and safety problems,” Andy Terry, PE, ITS and Public Safety Services Leader, said. “Using advanced communications technologies to focus on congestion alone can improve traffic flow and decrease travel time, fuel usage, and even air pollution. However, ITS covers much more ground than just congestion.”
ITS can integrate fiber optic cable, sensors, and video equipment along roadways for transportation operation centers to monitor live traffic conditions and provide up-to-date traffic messaging to travelers. It also can include small-scale intersection warning or detection devices. ITS systems provide a range of versatile features:
- Accurate real-time data about travel patterns, congestion conditions, and driver behaviors to plan for infrastructure improvements.
- Low-cost warning devices to improve safety in rural areas.
- Real-time roadway weather and traffic conditions to collect data by use of roadside devices connected to each other and network operation centers.
- Probe vehicles provide an accurate snapshot of roadway activity to help traffic management center operators manage congestion and dispatch roadway service patrols.
“ITS is responsive to changes in how we travel and the vehicles we use,” Terry said. “The auto industry has deployed a variety of in-vehicle navigation and warning technologies on which ITS can piggyback.”
Across the nation, many major metropolitan areas are undertaking multi-million dollar ITS deployments to improve freeway management.
“ITS can be deployed on smaller scales, as well. Many cities and counties have begun to improve intersection safety or monitor traffic conditions by using ITS for under $100,000,” Terry said. “ITS allows communities the technology they need to provide effective transportation management.”
For more information about Intelligent Transportation Systems, contact Andy Terry, PE, at 800.325.2055.
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