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The use of ITS
technologies offers a way to improve transportation safety and relieve
congestion.
Every year, the number of highway deaths goes up
as highway congestion increases. Our transportation system is becoming
incapable of handling the overload. Many believe that intelligent
transportation systems may be the answer to the problem.
A new report from the U.S. Department of
Transportation ITS Joint Program Office focuses on the benefits, costs,
and lessons learned through the deployment of intelligent transportation
systems in both infrastructure and vehicles. This document is the newest
in a series of reports that provides information on the impact that ITS
projects have on the operation of the surface transportation network.
Summaries of lessons learned from ITS planning, deployment, operation,
maintenance, and evaluation experience are included in the new report.
For more information on the report, contact the USDOT, or go to the ITS
Benefits and Costs Databases Web site at
www.benefitcost.its.dot.gov.
Much of the material presented in the report comes from this site.
As you strive to find the answers to improving
safety and relieving congestion in your area, take a look at the ITS
products, equipment, and technologies we’ve gathered together.
Quixote
Traffic Corporation, Inc.
Traffic management system
 A
new scalable Windows-based software system from Quixote allows traffic
management personnel to manage legacy and newer NTCIP traffic control
and ITS equipment using one convenient centralized system. IQCENTRAL
connects all of an agency’s equipment together into a single centralized
traffic management system and is based on NTCIP architecture, allowing
migration to NTCIP in existing hardware without replacing existing
systems.
 The
software comes fully configured and set up on a server for an agency’s
specific transportation system, including arterial and intersection
maps. Users are able to manage and control their traffic flow from day
one. A comprehensive library of standard reports and forms are
integrated into the software for easy access.
IQCENTRAL provides a graphical view of current
operation of arterials or intersections in real time. Using the display
mode, you can upload and download controller timing, monitor controller
events, verify malfunctions, and generate a variety of reports right
from your desk.
Click 16 on
ROADFAX card
RoadRAMP Systems LLC
Axle sensors
 Two
new axle sensing products, BYPASS and PARKING, from RoadRAMP Systems
provide lane discrimination and more accurate traffic counts on
multi-lane sites such as interstate and urban highways, state and county
roads, and city streets with parking lanes.
BYPASS sensors are for use on two-lane state and
county type roads when traffic volumes exceed 200 vehicles/lane/hour.
The units, consisting of an incompressible inner tube with a tough
rubber sheath, are laid across the first lane between a road tube axle
sensor in the second lane and the traffic counter on the shoulder.
Pneumatic signals generated by traffic in the second lane pass through
the unit and across the first lane to the traffic counter. A separate
axle sensor is installed to identify traffic in the first lane,
providing very accurate data.
PARKING sensors are designed for parking lanes
and will withstand the full weight of a parked vehicle, allowing signals
to pass freely to the traffic counter.
Both units are compatible with all existing
pneumatic traffic counter/classifiers.
Click 15 on
ROADFAX card
Transoft Solutions
Vehicle turn software
 Transoft
Solutions new version of AutoTURN, an innovative software for
analyzing vehicle turn maneuvers and swept paths, is available in
English, French, Spanish, and German. AutoTURN5 software features an
improved interface, powerful new analysis tools, and enhancements to
popular commands.
 The
Oversteer Corner Path feature allows designers to evaluate a vehicle’s
turn behavior more realistically by allowing definition of entry and
exit offsets associated with over-steered conditions. The Place Offset
Simulation tool allows users to draw a vehicle simulation that maintains
a constant clearance from a roadway element such as a curb. The user
simply selects an offset distance from the travel way edge and the
software automatically draws the simulation.
Other feature include a flexible template
generator capable of creating standard or user-defined turning
templates; dynamic turn radius displays for instant readouts; hands-on
calculator for determining steering lock angles for user-defined
vehicles; the ability to create simulations using splines; and an
expanded vehicle library.
Click 17 on
ROADFAX card
International Road Dynamics
InVirtual weigh-in-motion system
 IRD’s
virtual weigh-in-motion system monitors vehicle weights and dimensions
at full highway speeds. The system captures an image of those vehicles
that are overweight for further inspection, allowing compliant vehicles
to proceed uninterrupted.
The data collected from the system can be
incorporated into asset management and truck route optimization programs
to protect investment in the city’s road infrastructure.
Click 18 on
ROADFAX card
Decatur
Electronics, Inc.
Radar/message trailers
 Two
new radar/message trailers are now available from
Decatur
Electronics. The Galaxy SST and Galaxy Deluxe (shown) feature a
see-through design, programmable interface, 18-inch super-bright LEDs,
approach-only directional radar, high-speed cut-off to deter racing, a
flashing violation alert, and built-in DOT speed trail lights.
The Galaxy Deluxe also has a motorized lift for
speed display, two lighted storage compartments, and other options such
as scrolling message and solar charging.
Click 12 on
ROADFAX card
Spot Devices, Inc.
Crosswalk lighting system
Spot Walk is a self-powered, wirelessly
activated in-road crosswalk lighting system from Spot Devices. The
system employs stand-alone LED-lit in-road lights called Road Spots that
require no wiring for power or activation. Each light is self-powered
and designed to be visible for day and night operation. Windows-based
software allows complete control and configuration of the system. To
install the system, simply core a hole into the roadway and insert a
Road Spot with epoxy. A small controller box then mounts to a pole or
building.
Click 20 on
ROADFAX card
Wavetronix LLC
Traffic sensors
Wavetronix’s SmartSensor (shown) is a
non-intrusive radar device that uses patented Digital Wave Radar
technology to detect vehicle volume, occupancy, and speed in up to eight
lanes of traffic simultaneously, even in the presence of barriers.
Their Click! Devices are modular components that
click together to create integrated networks, providing simple
connectivity solutions for contact closure and loop emulation, and power
management, as well as wired, wireless, and Ethernet communications.
The Command line of appliances, such as
DataCollector, offer scalable data management solutions that integrate
SmartSensor and other traffic monitoring devices with any advanced
traffic management system. Command devices collect and manage data from
an unlimited network of sensors and offer data translation and storage
solutions unique to traffic management operations.
Click 13 on
ROADFAX card
Traffic & Parking
Control Company
Solar-powered pedestrian crossing
 TAPCO’s
solar-powered Flashing BlinkerSigns require no external electricity and
can run 24/7 for two weeks or more without any sunlight. The signs are
delivered ready to be installed on any sign post — everything you need
is attached to the sign.
The unique computer-based circuitry can be
adapted to interface with all traffic control devices, including push
buttons, time clocks, and loop detectors. The signs are also available
as hand-held paddles.
Click 19 on
ROADFAX card
Pelco
Camera dome system
Pelco’s Spectra III 18ZX camera dome system
offers clean, crisp images in any lighting condition, day/night
capabilities, Dynamic Window Blanking, and Preset Freeze Frame, in
addition to an optional NTCIP translator plug in. The dome drives are
compatible with all Spectra III back box configurations and are
available in all standard and specialty system configuration, including
heavy-duty, stainless-steel, and pressurized versions. The unit is fast
and easy to install, and boasts the widest range of installation and
dome drive options in the industry, according to the company.
Click 14 on
ROADFAX card
Astucia Traffic Management
Systems
Intelligent road studs
 The
Astucia Traffic Management Suite is comprised of a selection of patented
Intelligent Road Studs — a camera stud, vehicle detection stud, and a
lane management stud — with software, roadside control, and
communication links. The system delivers data and images to be processed
at the roadside or centrally, as needed.
The camera stud uses a high-definition camera
located within a heavy-duty road stud. It provides an excellent central
view of the road in all weather conditions and has high-definition still
or moving images of oncoming or departing vehicles and automatic number
plate recognition.
The detection stud uses high technology
detectors and combines with integral software to provide highly accurate
information including vehicle speed, vehicle length, and number of
axles.
Lane management studs can be integrated with the
camera and detection studs to provide driver warnings on changing road
conditions, or for traffic control. The LEDs are visible over 1
kilometer and can be controlled by remote traffic control or
automatically via an ATMS hub.
Click 11 on
ROADFAX card
Reprinted from Better Roads Magazine
July 2005 |
