Applications of ITS in Work Zones

Transcription

1 SD F Connecting South Dakota and the Nation South Dakota Department of Transportation Office of Research Applications of ITS in Work Zones Study SD F Final Report Prepared by South Dakota Department of Transportation 700 E. Broadway Avenue Pierre, SD July 2004

2 DISCLAIMER The contents of this report reflect the views of the authors who are responsible for the facts and accuracy of the data presented herein. The contents do not necessarily reflect the official views or policies of the South Dakota Department of Transportation, the State Transportation Commission, or the Federal Highway Administration. This report does not constitute a standard, specification, or regulation. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS This work was performed under the supervision of the SD Technical Panel: John Adler... Operations Support Jon Becker... Office of Research Bruce Hunt...FHWA Keith Long... Mitchell Area Dan Martell...Road Design John Matthesen... Rapid City Area Capt. Rod Olerud... Highway Patrol Mark Peppel...Pierre Area Alan Petrich... Aberdeen Region Anne Robbins... Associated General Contractors Hal Rumpca... Office of Research The work was performed in cooperation with the United States Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration.

3 TECHNICAL REPORT STANDARD TITLE PAGE 1. Report No. SD F 2. Government Accession No. 3. Recipient's Catalog No. 4. Title and Subtitle Applications of ITS in South Dakota Work Zones 5. Report Date July Performing Organization Code 7. Author(s) Jonathan Becker 9. Performing Organization Name and Address South Dakota Department of Transportation 700 East Broadway Avenue Pierre, SD Performing Organization Report No. 10. Work Unit No. 11. Contract or Grant No. 12. Sponsoring Agency Name and Address South Dakota Department of Transportation Office of Research 700 East Broadway Avenue Pierre, SD Type of Report and Period Covered Final Report January 2004 to April Sponsoring Agency Code 15. Supplementary Notes 16. Abstract Work zones, traffic incidents and high traffic areas during major events are often places where drivers can become confused or drive aggressively. Such an environment can cause congestion and endanger workers. During the summer months, SDDOT operates many work zones where drivers need to reduce speed, merge, and take extra precautions. These same characteristics are true for arrival and departure traffic at major special events. Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) solutions are available to provide drivers with advance warning of work zones and traffic congestion. These systems can also provide project and traffic engineers real-time information necessary for timely traffic control. The Indiana Lane Merge system gives motorists instructions such as when to merge to prevent congestion at bottle neck areas. Products are also available for warning workers when errant vehicles breach the work zone. A review of available literature regarding the use of ITS devices in work zones revealed that states who have had experience with ITS in work zones have benefited from increased efficiency and speed for motorists, and decreased frustrations and delays. It was also found that several of SDDOTs policies that relate to work zones, incidents, and emergencies don t address the SDDOTs Strategic Plan that states Provide timely, system-wide information to travelers on conditions related to inclement weather, construction and maintenance activities, and traffic incidents. Recommendations: 1. Upgrade those portable DMSs in each region that are mechanically in good shape and new enough that new controllers and communication equipment can be interfaced. 2. Purchase IDI control software for the monitoring and control of DMSs statewide. 3. Require the use of the attached specifications when requisitioning new portable DMSs. 4. When purchasing new DMSs, specify NTCIP testing and on-site communications survey for acceptance. 5. Provide Incident Management training for field traffic management personnel. 6. Revise SDDOT policies regarding work zones and emergency and disaster traffic control to align them with SDDOT s strategic plan regarding traveler information. 17. Keywords ITS, Work Zone, Safety, Dynamic Message Sign 18. Distribution Statement No restrictions. This document is available to the public from the sponsoring agency. 19. Security Classification (of this report) Unclassified 20. Security Classification (of this page) Unclassified 21. No. of Pages 67 pages 22. Price i SD Applications of ITS in South Dakota Work Zones

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5 Table of Contents DISCLAIMER...II ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS...II TABLE OF CONTENTS... III LIST OF FIGURES... V EXECUTIVE SUMMARY...1 INTRODUCTION...6 BACKGROUND...6 PROJECT OBJECTIVES...7 TASK DESCRIPTION...8 LITERATURE REVIEW...10 SDDOT TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT NEEDS SURVEY...13 SDDOT S PORTABLE DYNAMIC MESSAGE SIGNS...17 TRAFFIC CONTROL UPGRADE COST...18 ITS ARCHITECTURE...19 CONCLUSION...21 RECOMMENDATIONS...21 REFERENCES...23 APPENDIX A NTCIP TESTING AND ACCEPTANCE... A-1 APPENDIX B DMS SPECIFICATIONS...B-1 APPENDIX C TRAFFIC NEEDS SURVEY...C-1 iii SD Applications of ITS in South Dakota Work Zones

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7 List of Figures Figure 1 DMS locatioins in South Dakota Figure 2 Commercially available DMSs Figure 3 Image of control software configured for North Dakota DOT...17 Figure 4 Dynamic Lane Merge Operation...18 Figure 5 ITS Equipment Package for Weather Information...19 Figure 6 Traffic Information Dissemination with RCRS, DMS and HAR...20 Figure 7 Mobile Traffic Management Center Package...20 v SD Applications of ITS in South Dakota Work Zones

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9 Executive Summary Work zones, traffic incidents and high traffic areas during major events are often places where drivers can become confused or drive aggressively. Such an environment can cause congestion and endanger workers. During the summer months, SDDOT operates many work zones where drivers need to reduce speed, merge, and take extra precautions. These same characteristics are true for arrival and departure traffic at major special events. Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) solutions are available to provide drivers with advance warning of work zones and traffic congestion. These systems can also provide project and traffic engineers realtime information necessary for timely traffic control. The Indiana Lane Merge system gives motorists instructions such as when to merge to prevent congestion at bottle neck areas. Products are also available for warning workers when errant vehicles breach the work zone. While ITS technology has been researched and evaluated by many agencies, research is needed to inventory SDDOT and other state agencies to determine what traffic control needs exist for work zones and special events, and whether existing equipment can be utilized as a part of an ITS solution such as an early lane merge system or a traffic management system. ITS technology in work zones has matured to the point where it is likely to improve travel time and safety in work zones and event traffic areas. SDDOT operates large work zones such as those near Sioux Falls and Rapid City where ITS technology can likely improve the Department s traffic control. A review of available literature regarding the use of ITS devices in work zones revealed that states who have had experience with ITS in work zones have benefited from increased efficiency and speed for motorists, and decreased frustrations and delays. It was also found that several of SDDOT s policies that relate to work zones, incidents, and emergencies don t address the SDDOT s Strategic Plan that states Provide timely, system-wide information to travelers on conditions related to inclement weather, construction and maintenance activities, and traffic incidents. This study recommends that the following policies regarding work zones and emergencies be updated: S , Operational Procedures for Emergency and Disaster Assistance, OC , Work Zones for Interstate and 4-Lane Divided Highways, OT , Policy for Traffic Safety in Highway & Street Work zones. Traffic Control Needs Survey A survey was sent out at the end of April 2004 to Area engineers and Region Operations and Traffic Engineers. Surveys were also sent to the Office of Emergency Management and the Highway Patrol. Questions addressed topics of Traffic Control, Traffic sensors, Traveler Information, Worker Safety and Work Zone Enforcement. The majority of the SDDOT Area offices felt that some communication with portable DMSs (PDMS) would be useful. In most cases, the PDMSs are old enough that they will not support an upgrade to allow remote communications. Other issues include mechanical problems and flipdisk technology that does not properly function. In all of these cases, the survey respondents cautioned against spending money to upgrade such signs. For the most part, the survey results indicated that more than half of the Area offices supported remote communication with DMSs. 1 SD Applications of ITS in South Dakota Work Zones

10 Task Description Task 1: Perform a literature search regarding ITS technology in work zones. DOT personnel from Minnesota, Kansas, North Carolina and Maryland were contacted regarding their experiences with ITS devices in work zones and at incidents. Their responses are summarized later in the report. Also summarized are FHWA and AASHTO documents discussing ITS devices in work zones. Task 2: Perform an equipment inventory of SDDOT, BIT, HP, and Emergency Management to determine the location, model, and condition of traffic control/information equipment. Personnel from SDDOT, BIT, and the Department of Public Safety and Emergency Management were interviewed to locate equipment that might be used in work zones or as a part of a traffic control system. The only equipment located were Highway Advisory Radio trailers owned by the Department of Public Safety. This equipment has been made available to SDDOT for traffic control at events and incidents. Personnel in SDDOT Region and Area offices were asked about the condition of portable DMSs in their jurisdiction. Signs are of various ages and conditions. Details regarding the signs are given in the body of the report. Task 3: Perform a survey of SDDOT regions and areas to determine requirements for traffic control at special events, traffic incidents and in work zones. The purpose of task 3 was to determine what SDDOT s needs are with respect to special events, traffic incidents, and work zones. A survey was prepared and ed to personnel in the SDDOT Region and Area offices. Survey results are shown in the Needs section. The survey itself is shown in Appendix A. Task 4: Based on the needs expressed by the panel, map appropriate ITS systems to the identified needs, and make recommendation to the panel. Various ITS systems and solutions are discussed that meet the identified needs. Existing equipment and the possibility of sharing equipment among regions was taken into account. Task 5: Determine whether equipment owned by the state might be used in traffic control or lane merge systems. Results of the survey and interviews revealed that of the 32 DMSs owned by the Department, 9 to 12 of them need to be upgraded or replaced. None of the DMSs owned by the Department are capable of remote communications, making them incapable of being used in any dynamic traffic control or lane merge system. Task 6: Meet with the technical panel to summarize literature and findings of ITS technology used in work zones. 2 SD Applications of ITS in South Dakota Work Zones

11 The findings from the study were presented to the panel in May Task 7: Provide a final report including methodology, findings, conclusions, recommendations, and architecture deliverables. This report includes the methodology used in the project, findings from the literature and interviews, conclusions drawn from the findings and recommendations for the implementation of ITS technologies in work zones. The results from the equipment inventory and Department needs surveys are included. The recommended system conforms to the South Dakota Statewide ITS Architecture and National ITS Standards. Task 8: Make an executive presentation to the Research Review Board. The findings, conclusions and recommendations from the report were summarized and presented to the Research Review Board on June 10, This presentation exists as a Microsoft Powerpoint file in the Office of Research. Conclusion The survey revealed that SDDOT s greatest need is communicating with our portable signs, specifically in Mitchell, Winner, Yankton, Rapid City and Sioux Falls. A few respondents felt that Automated Speed Enforcement and transmitters to inform drivers of an approaching work zone might be worth investigating. Some surveys stated that the problem in work zones is not that the workers are unaware of drivers, but the drivers are unaware of the workers. To address that concern, we should be focused on putting timely and relevant messages on our DMSs. There was little support for such things as sensors for measuring queue length and promoting early lane merges. A number of special events were listed on the surveys. By using central control software, and planning for each of these special events, traffic engineers will be able to program messages for each DMS located near a special event for several traffic scenarios. If, for example, traffic is backed up at one entrance to a park, DMSs may be configured in real time to give messages on all pertinent routes that another entrance should be used. If an incident occurs, drivers can be informed as to which route they should use as an alternative. Several software options were evaluated, and IDI central software appears to be the most suitable and feasible software for controlling field devices. It is capable of controlling any device that is National Transportation Communications for ITS Protocol (NTCIP) compliant. 3 SD Applications of ITS in South Dakota Work Zones

12 Recommendations 1. Work with Region Engineers in each region to upgrade those portable DMSs that are mechanically serviceable and new enough that new controllers and communication equipment can be interfaced. About two portable DMSs in each region should have an IDI controller installed to make it NTCIP compliant, allowing remote communications with central software. The upgrade should include a GPS transceiver, necessary for portable devices that will be relocated frequently. In a couple of areas, no DMSs are usable. In those cases, new signs should be purchased. 2. Purchase IDI control software for the monitoring and control of DMSs statewide. IDI software is capable of controlling not only permanent and portable DMSs, but other NTCIP devices such as cameras, weather sensors, road closure gates and traffic signals. The software is capable of scheduling messages on signs and intelligent control such as monitoring information from sensors and displaying an appropriate message on a DMS. IDI software is more capable and easily configurable than other ITS control software. 3. Require the use of the attached specifications when requisitioning new portable DMSs. The specifications in Appendix A ensure that DMSs purchased by SDDOT meet minimum requirements for performance, maintenance, and NTCIP conformance and communication. 4. When purchasing new DMSs, specify NTCIP testing and an on-site communications survey for acceptance. NTCIP testing ensures that new devices will communicate with central software reliably. IDI has software for performing this testing called Device Tester. Performing on-site communications survey in an area where equipment is likely to be used will ensure that the purchased equipment is within communications range of each other, and not in an area where electrical noise degrades communications. 5. Provide Incident Management training and ITS awareness training for field traffic management personnel. Traffic Incident Management is an important tool to use during an incident or emergency to maintain the safe and efficient flow of traffic. Because secondary accidents can be more severe than the initial accident, SDDOT must do what it can to reduce its liability when such an incident occurs. Incident management training workshops were held in Rapid City and Sioux Falls the week of May 9, Revise SDDOT policies regarding work zones and emergency and disaster traffic control to align them with SDDOT s strategic plan regarding traveler information. SDDOT Policies OC , Work Zones for Interstate and 4-Lane Divided Highways, S , Operational Procedures for Emergency and Disaster Assistance, and OT , Policy for Traffic Safety in Highway & Street Work Zones, provide guidelines to be used by SDDOT for setting speeds, providing traffic control and equipment, but they make no mention of providing information for traveler information. These policies should be revised to reflect the Department s strategic plan regarding traveler information. 4 SD Applications of ITS in South Dakota Work Zones

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14 Introduction Work zones, traffic incidents and high traffic areas during major events are often places where drivers can become confused or drive aggressively. Such an environment can cause congestion and endanger workers. During the summer months, SDDOT operates many work zones where drivers need to reduce speed, merge, and take extra precautions. These same characteristics are true for arrival and departure traffic at major special events. ITS solutions are available to provide drivers with advance warning of work zones and traffic congestion. These systems can also provide project and traffic engineers real-time information necessary for timely traffic control. The Indiana Lane Merge system gives motorists instructions such as when to merge to prevent congestion at bottle neck areas. Products are also available for warning workers when errant vehicles breach the work zone. While ITS technology has been researched and evaluated by many agencies, research is needed to inventory SDDOT and other state agencies to determine what traffic control needs exist for work zones and special events, and whether existing equipment can be utilized as a part of an ITS solution such as an early lane merge system or a traffic management system. ITS technology in work zones has matured to the point where it is likely to improve travel time and safety in work zones and event traffic areas. SDDOT operates large work zones such as those near Sioux Falls and Rapid City where ITS technology can help improve the Department s traffic control. Background The South Dakota Department of Transportation has 32 portable dynamic message signs in its inventory. These signs are manufactured by ADDCO and are of various ages. Most of them have no communication capabilities and must be programmed on site. Each of the state s four regions has one or two signs that have cellular capabilities, but because of incompatibilities with other signs and software that is difficult to use, these signs also are programmed on site. As ITS equipment has become more pervasive throughout the country, standards have been, and continue to be developed to facilitate interoperability and interchangeability with equipment provided by other manufacturers. The National Transportation Communication for ITS Protocol (NTCIP) is a family of protocols and standards that attempts to accomplish that goal. With the increasing capabilities of work zone equipment, it is clear that the traffic management needs of SDDOT can be met by using equipment that is capable of communications that allow traffic engineers to monitor and control it remotely in real-time. We need to have any ITS system considered for purchase to be demonstrated on site. It must demonstrate reliable communication, easy-to-use software, and the ability to integrate other devices such as HAR, cameras, etc. Prior to delivery, ITS devices must pass NTCIP exerciser device tests. SDDOT has 32 portable DMS signs in all. Signs manufactured during 1998 and later are capable of using cellular and wireless network communications, but older signs would need to have their controller replaced. The condition of some of the older signs is such that purchasing new signs may be a better investment. 6 SD Applications of ITS in South Dakota Work Zones

15 Project Objectives 1. To determine SDDOT s needs for traffic control at special events, traffic incidents and in work zones; It was necessary to collect information from SDDOT region and area offices regarding their perceived needs for traffic control at special events, traffic incidents and in work zones. The survey and responses are shown later in the report. 2. To investigate existing ITS technologies that will improve traffic flow and worker safety in work zones and special event traffic areas; To gain an understanding of the available ITS technologies that apply to this topic, several states were contacted. Their practices regarding the use of DMSs and other ITS devices are given. The literature summary provides insite into how ITS is employed on larger work zones and construction projects. 3. To determine whether ITS technology should be used by SDDOT for traffic control during special events, and whether existing equipment might be used as a part of ITS traffic control systems. After collecting information through literature reviews, surveys of surrounding states and of SDDOT personnel, the researcher concluded that the most significant step that could be taken to improve safety on work zones and at incidents and special events is to make existing DMSs NTCIP compliant and acquire NTCIP central software. Through the survey of SDDOT and other state agencies it was learned that the only equipment that can be readily used by SDDOT owned by another agency is the Highway Advisory Radio (HAR) trailers owned by the Department of Public Safety. 7 SD Applications of ITS in South Dakota Work Zones

16 Task Description Task 1: Perform a literature search regarding ITS technology in work zones. States including Minnesota, Kansas, North Carolina and Maryland have performed work on this topic. ITS efforts have been summarized in FHWA s Cross Cutting study as well as documents published by AASHTO. These efforts are included in the literature review. Task 2: Perform an equipment inventory of SDDOT, BIT, HP, and Emergency Management to determine the location, model, and condition of traffic control/information equipment. Personnel from SDDOT, BIT, and the Department of Public Safety and Emergency Management were interviewed to locate equipment that might be used if necessary as a part of a traffic control system. Equipment located so far includes Highway Advisory Radio trailers owned by BIT. No other equipment was located. Personnel in SDDOT Region and Area offices were asked about the condition of portable DMSs in their jurisdiction. Signs are of various ages and conditions. Details regarding the signs are given in the body of the report. Task 3: Perform a survey of SDDOT regions and areas to determine requirements for traffic control at special events, traffic incidents and in work zones. The purpose of task 3 was to determine what SDDOT s needs are with respect to special events, traffic incidents, and work zones. These needs were used to develop specific user requirements necessary for the acquisition of ITS equipment. A survey was prepared and ed to personnel in the SDDOT Region and Field offices. Survey results are shown in the Needs section. The survey itself is shown in Appendix C. Task 4: Based on the needs expressed by the panel, map appropriate ITS systems to the identified needs, and make recommendation to the panel. Various ITS systems and solutions are discussed that meet the identified needs. Existing equipment and the possibility of sharing equipment among regions is taken into account. Task 5: Determine whether equipment owned by the state might be used in traffic control or lane merge systems. After matching ITS solutions to the needs identified in the survey and interviews, I will determine whether any of the resources identified in the inventory might be used along with new equipment or a new system. I will point out such opportunities as upgrading an existing DMS for a low cost to save the cost of a new one. Because the focus of traffic control systems and devices is to alert motorists to roadway conditions, getting information to the Road Condition Reporting System (RCRS) will be considered. Any event that might cause road restrictions, congestion, delays, etc, should be reported on RCRS. 8 SD Applications of ITS in South Dakota Work Zones

17 Task 6: Meet with the technical panel to summarize literature and findings of ITS technology used in work zones. The findings from the study were presented to the panel on July 22, The discussion included the status of DMSs throughout the state, how they could best be used for work zones and incidents, and the cost to upgrade or replace. The draft report was also discussed. Task 7: Provide a final report including methodology, findings, conclusions, recommendations, and architecture deliverables. This report includes the methodology used in the project, findings from the literature and interviews, conclusions drawn from the findings and recommendations for the implementation of ITS technologies in work zones. The results from the equipment inventory and Department needs surveys are included. The recommended system conforms to the South Dakota Statewide ITS Architecture and National ITS Standards. Task 8: Make an executive presentation to the Research Review Board. The findings, conclusions and recommendations from the report were summarized and presented to the Research Review Board on June 10, SD Applications of ITS in South Dakota Work Zones

18 Literature Review North Dakota DOT has replaced the factory installed controllers in their portable dynamic message signs with NTCIP compliant controllers. They use software from Intelligent Devices Inc. to integrate and communicate with all their PDMSs. Similar NTCIP controllers are available for many other devices, allowing them to communicate with central software. Cellular modems are used where service is available. Wyoming DOT uses cellular modems with ten PDMSs they have deployed statewide, although they have encountered communication problems. Upgrading to newer technology tri-mode modems may solve the problem. Montana DOT deploys 8 PDMSs, primarily in mountain passes. These devices are not NTCIP compliant and do not connect to any central location. Work zones are regulated by MUTCD guidelines, and they do not use intrusion alarms. North Carolina DOT leases ITS equipment as part of their construction contracts. This includes portable DMSs, cameras, sensors and wireless communications. Communications for all devices relay information to a single point on the project, such as a trailer at the job site or a hotel room. They do not require devices to be NTCIP compliant yet, but will in the future. North Carolina does not use work zone intrusion devices, but like the other states interviewed, relies on their travel information devices to maintain driver awareness of the work zone environment. Intelligent Transportation Systems in Work Zones, FHWA, November 2002 This report provides real-world experiences of using intelligent transportation systems (ITS) in work zones in four locations across the U.S.: The ITS applications in work zones were used to provide traffic monitoring and management, and traveler information. The primary purpose of the ITS for the Albuquerque project was incident management. Each of the work zone systems provided real-time information on dynamic message signs (DMSs). Real-time work zone information was also provided on the Internet with the exception of the Arkansas system. The ITS devices were automated with two traffic management centers being staffed during early morning to evening. Most systems were temporary; however, the Albuquerque system was to become part of the permanent freeway management system after the construction project was completed. Springfield, IL The Illinois DOT (IDOT) used ITS in a 40-mile work zone on I-55. The Real-Time Traffic Control System (RTTCS) consisted of 17 remotely-controlled portable DMSs connected to a base station server via wireless communication, eight portable traffic sensors connected to the server via wireline, and four portable cameras linked to the base station server via wireless communication. IDOT leased the system for the duration of the reconstruction project. The lease included a provision for contractor personnel to monitor the system. The system operated in an automatic mode; however, one person was assigned to check system performance periodically during week days. After hours and during weekends, contractor personnel were on-call to handle problems. Specific costs for the RTTCS were not available; however, the cost to lease the system was less than 10% of the total project cost annually for the two-year project. 10 SD Applications of ITS in South Dakota Work Zones

19 Lansing, MI The Michigan DOT (MDOT) used a Temporary Traffic Management System (TTMS) during a construction project in downtown Lansing. The system was deployed from March 2001 to October 2001 and removed at the completion of the construction project. The project involved a complete closure of portions of I-496. The $40 million construction project included the rebuilding of 32 bridges, reconstructing one mile and repairing seven miles of freeway, and adding a third lane/merge weave in each direction for a section of the freeway. The TTMS was used throughout the construction project. The system included 17 cameras, 12 DMSs, six queue detectors (microwave sensors), and a commercial offthe-shelf (COTS) software package which ran on a server located at the Construction Traffic Management Center (CTMC). Based on data from the detectors, appropriate messages from a bank of predefined messages would be displayed on each DMS and on the Internet. Operators had the option of manually updating the messages. MDOT purchased some of the hardware components of the work zone system (e.g., communications tower, antenna, queue detectors, and cameras) and software license, but most of the system was leased. The cost of the lease was $2.4 million which is about 6% of the total project cost. Albuquerque, NM The New Mexico State Highway and Transportation Department (NMSHTD) used ITS in a 2-year construction project of The Big I interchange where I-40 and I-25 intersect. The primary purpose of employing ITS was to aid in incident management and response. The 2-year project began June 30, 2000 and involved construction of 111 lane-miles, 45 new bridges, and 10 rehabilitated bridges. The ITS included eight fixed CCTV cameras, eight modular (expandable) DMSs, four arrow dynamic signs, four portable DMSs, four portable traffic management systems (a single integrated platform for camera and DMS), and four highway advisory radio (HAR) units. Components were linked to base station computers via wireline and wireless communications. Camera images were monitored at the traffic management center by NMSHTD staff from 5:00 am to 8:00 pm. Information on traffic conditions were provided via the HAR and DMS, and via other outlets to include website, radio, fax and distribution lists. Although pre-defined messages could be activated automatically, the system was set for manual initiation. NMSHTD purchased the ITS with the intent of incorporating much of the system into a freeway management system once construction was completed. Other components would be used in future work zone projects. The ITS work zone system cost $1.5 million. West Memphis, AR The Arkansas State Highway and Transportation Department (AHTD) employed an ITS for a 3-mile concrete reconstruction project in West Memphis on I-40 near the intersection with I-55. The work zone was near a bridge across the Mississippi River from Memphis, Tennessee and abutted a Tennessee work zone on the bridge. The reconstruction project was expected to last 12 to 18 months and cost $13.8 million. The work zone was expected to be in place for the duration of the construction project. The Automated Work Zone Information System (AWIS) included 12 queue detectors and five remotely controlled DMS which were linked to a central base station server via wireless communications, three HAR units, five pagers, and an alert system. The traffic detectors were installed one mile on each side of the work zone. The DMSs were deployed over approximately 9 miles on each side of the work zone. The HARs range was approximately 23 miles. The server processed data from the queue detectors and disseminated messages to the DMS and HAR based on predefined messages for specific traffic 11 SD Applications of ITS in South Dakota Work Zones

20 conditions. AHTD and Tennessee DOT staff, contractors for both work zones, traffic reporters and other media were informed of traffic conditions via and pager alert systems. The AWIS was leased for the duration of the work zone project. The lease included personnel to monitor the system. Usually one person was required for periodic system maintenance and to be on-call after hours. The terms of the lease called for a daily fee paid to the contractor and a lump sum for the HARs. The fee was assessed each day the system was operational, thereby the state did not pay for any system down time. The total cost of the AWIS was $495,000 which included the daily fee and purchase of three HARs. The AWIS cost was less than 4% of the total reconstruction cost. Nebraska Smart Work Zone The Nebraska Department of Roads has installed and activated an automated work-zone system along I- 80 in the Omaha area. It is designed to collect real-time data in an I-80 reconstruction project work zone. Electronic detectors are in place to measure the speed of traffic. The information from the detectors is sent to a central computer system and then to changeable message signs (CMS), alerting motorists of delays and advising them to slow down or take alternate routes. There are 21 CMS boards and nine detectors in place along the nine-mile project and west of the project. The website address for the system is Traffic Incident Management Handbook, PB Farradyne, FHWA, November This handbook was developed to provide guidance for developing incident management programs and to identify tools and strategies to enhance field operations. The handbook states that although the problems most often associated with highway incidents is traveler delay, by far the most serious problem is the risk of secondary crashes. It goes on to provide evidence that the severity of secondary crashes is often greater that that of the original incident. The longer the incident is in place, the greater the exposure to additional crashes. Steven P. Latoski, Walter M. Dunn, Jr., Bernie Wagenblast, Jeffrey Randall, Matthew D. Walker, Managing Travel for Planned Special Events, Dunn Engineering Specialists, P.C., FHWA, September This handbook provides guidance for the advanced planning, management and monitoring of travel for planned special events. 12 SD Applications of ITS in South Dakota Work Zones

21 SDDOT Traffic Management Needs Survey A survey was prepared and sent to SDDOT region operations and traffic engineers, and area engineers to assess the perceived traffic management needs of SDDOT. Surveys were also sent to the Highway Patrol and Emergency Management to assess their perspective on DOT operations in work zones and during incidents. The survey is copied in Appendix C. The survey listed some available ITS technologies and asked recipients whether any of those technologies filled their needs. Those surveyed were asked to report any problem areas they felt needed to be addressed by the Department. Survey topics included Traffic Control, Traffic sensors, Traveler Information, Worker Safety and Work Zone Enforcement. Traffic Management Do you see any benefit in having the capability to communicate remotely with the portable DMS? Pierre, Huron and Watertown saw little or no benefit to this. Rapid City, Mitchell, Winner, Sioux Falls and Yankton support remote communications. Aberdeen and Watertown felt there may be a slight benefit, but may not warrant the expense. The Highway Patrol and Emergency Management felt this would be a good idea considering the speed of disseminating information and limited personnel. Do you think we need more DMSs or ones with different capabilities? Should our portable DMSs be full matrix signs or 3 line signs? Pierre, Huron, Watertown and Winner Areas expressed satisfaction with the equipment they have. Sioux Falls, Yankton and Mitchell Areas, and Rapid City and Aberdeen Regions felt that more DMSs would be beneficial. Nearly all areas reported maintenance problems with signs. The PDMSs that use flip-disk technology or diesel engines seem to be used less because they experience more maintenance down-time. The few signs SDDOT has that use cellular modems are analog, which limits their utility because cell companies have switched to digital. Highway Patrol and Emergency Management felt the number of existing signs is adequate, however they both supported full matrix due to the broader array of messages available. Given the information on the attached map (Figure 1), are there any other locations where portable DMSs would compliment the permanent DMS locations for use during winter weather? 13 SD Applications of ITS in South Dakota Work Zones

22 Figure 1 DMS locatioins in South Dakota Aberdeen Area recommended a PDMS to be placed on US12 at Webster to warn travelers in the case that I-29 is closed. None of the other survey respondents suggested other locations for deploying DMSs. Several stated only that more are better. Do you see a need for a traffic management system for incidents, forest fires, special events, lane merges, long work zones, travel information, traffic management? Watertown felt that road conditions should be shown on signs with driving tips. i.e. ICY ROADS SLOW DOWN DON T USE CRUISE. Pierre had a similar idea, suggesting communications between RWIS and DMSs, so high wind or poor visibility warnings could be displayed ahead of the conditions so travelers could consider options. Emergency Management, Highway Patrol, and Mitchell Area felt that a traffic management system would be useful during forest fires. Sioux Falls, Yankton, Highway Patrol and Emergency Management indicated some interest in lane merge systems. Special events to be considered for additional traffic management consideration include the Sturgis Rally, Mt. Rushmore Fireworks display, concerts, Ft. Sisseton Celebration, Dakota Fest at Mitchell, Riverboat Days in Yankton, major events in Sioux City at the New Tyson Events Center, Dakota Dunes golf events, and events at the Dakota Dome at Vermillion. Do you see a need for camera monitoring? Winner Area, Rapid City and Aberdeen Regions, Highway Patrol and Emergency Management were interested in cameras for monitoring traffic and detecting incidents. The most immediate need for camera monitoring is during the Sturgis motorcycle rally. 14 SD Applications of ITS in South Dakota Work Zones

23 Do you see a need for Highway Advisory Radio (HAR)? Highway Patrol, Emergency Management, Aberdeen, Winner and Rapid City Region saw some benefit to using HAR in certain circumstances. The Department of Public Safety currently owns two HAR units one is stationed in Pierre, and one at the Rapid City Region office, which is used most frequently for traffic control in forest fire areas. Worker Safety Do you see a need for work zone intrusion alarms? Most respondents didn t think there was a need for this, or that it would be necessary only on interstate or in high population areas. Highway Patrol indicated that the real problem is that drivers are not aware of the workers, as opposed to workers not being aware of drivers. Do you see a need for devices that make the beginning of the work zone more visible to motorists? A few thought this was a good idea, but the majority felt that following MUTCD guidelines as SDDOT does currently is the best practice. Region traffic engineers keep abreast of new technology and deploy them as appropriate to individual projects. Radar Transmitters in work zones that activate the approaching vehicle s radar detectors indicating that the driver is approaching a work zone? Some areas thought this might be a good idea, but there were no strong feelings either way. Highway Patrol commented that transmitting information over vehicle radios would have some benefits. This sounds like the Data Radio Channel technology that is being advertised by some car manufacturers. Changeable message signs giving driver information regarding the work zone? Most respondents felt that using DMSs in work zones was necessary. Automated Speed Enforcement that automatically photographs speeding vehicles and generates a citation which is mailed to the offender? Highway Patrol and Emergency Management thought Automated Speed Enforcement was worth considering. Mitchell, Yankton, Winner, Pierre, Aberdeen, Watertown, Sioux Falls also thought it would be effective. Huron and Mobridge did not express a need for it due to low traffic volumes. Any other ideas you can think of? The only comment given was from Yankton Area who suggested stiffer penalties/fines for violators. Have you used or needed Real Time Monitoring System (RTMS) or video detection to detect traffic volume, queue length or incidents? No respondents had used RTMS for other than signal control or thought they would be useful for their area. The Office of Transportation Inventory Management uses RTMS in some locations for traffic monitoring. Video detection is used in Rapid City and Sioux Falls to activate traffic signals, but not to detect queue lengths or incidents. Video detection will be used for incident detection and signal control during the Sturgis motorcycle rally. 15 SD Applications of ITS in South Dakota Work Zones

24 Are you aware of other agencies that possess equipment useful in traffic management? No respondents were aware of equipment in other agencies. 16 SD Applications of ITS in South Dakota Work Zones

25 SDDOT s Portable Dynamic Message Signs SDDOT has 32 signs in its four regions. Signs manufactured during 1998 and later are capable of using cellular and wireless network communications, but older signs would need to have their controllers replaced. Even the newer signs would need upgrades to render them NTCIP compliant. The poor condition of some of the older signs is such that purchasing new signs may be a better investment. Problems with the older signs range from the older flip-disk style not flipping, to mechanical problems with the trailers themselves. According to the Rapid City Region, even the signs that are capable of remote communication were not used because of communication trouble and software that is difficult to use. Figure 2 below shows two of the currently available DMSs. Figure 2 Commercially available DMSs. The main issue with using DMSs remotely is their ability to communicate with central software, allowing traffic management personnel to provide vital information and direction to travelers in work zones and approaching incident scenes. To make this control possible, DMSs having older controllers not conforming to new communications requirements must be upgraded. Also, control software must be acquired, and NTCIP testing is necessary to determine whether DMSs truly meet the national NTCIP standard. This is important because it allows us to purchase signs from anyone with the confidence to know that if it is NTCIP compliant, it will communicate reliably with existing NTCIP compliant software. NTCIP testing specifications are listed in Appendix A. Figure 3 Image of control software configured for North Dakota DOT. 17 SD Applications of ITS in South Dakota Work Zones

26 Figure 3 shows an example of software configured for North Dakota available from Intelligent Devices Incorporated (IDI). This software communicates with any transportation device that conforms to NTCIP standards. It is capable of performing the scheduling of messages on DMSs and programming scenarios for use during road closures, special events, or incidents a helpful feature when planning for alternative routes. Other devices that can be controlled by the software are cameras, traffic signals, Road Weather Information Sensors (RWIS). Its intelligence also allows it to be used for variable speed limit signs and dynamic passing zone systems. When congestion is a problem at lane merge locations, dynamic lane merge systems can help by informing motorists they need to merge earlier. These systems comprise a sign displaying the merge now message, and sensors to detect slow traffic and developing queues. Operation of a dynamic merge system is shown in Figure 4 below (Smart Lane Merge, 2004, ADDCO, Inc.). Figure 4 Dynamic Lane Merge Operation Traffic Control Upgrade Cost Upgrading SDDOT s fleet of portable DMSs to create a viable traffic management system to improve safety in work zones and at incidents and special events will require one or more of the following things: New DMS with wireless communications: $20,000-25,000 Controller and communications upgrade: $3,000 Central control software: $50,000 NTCIP test software: $5,000 Based on the ITS needs survey and subsequent conversations with Region personnel, 6 new DMSs should be purchased, and 4should be upgraded with new controllers. These purchases including software total $212, SD Applications of ITS in South Dakota Work Zones

27 ITS Architecture The South Dakota Rural ITS Architecture (Jaffe, R.S., Eisenhart, B., Consensus Systems Technologies Corp, South Dakota DOT Office of Research, February 2003) contains market packages, or services, that address weather information, work zone management, and travel information. Each of these functions include the use of DMSs to provide traffic information to travelers. Environmental Information Processing This equipment package processes current and forecast weather data, road condition information, local environmental data, and uses internal models to develop specialized detailed forecasts of local weather and surface conditions. The processed environmental information products are presented to the user. Figure 5 ITS Equipment Package for Weather Information. In this system, data entered by SDDOT maintenance personnel into the Road Condition Reporting System (RCRS), and data collected from Road Weather Information Systems (RWIS) or the National Weather Service may prompt Operations personnel to display a message on a DMS. The market package above indicates that the Region and Area offices control the DMSs, but the Office of Operations Support also has access to DMS control. 19 SD Applications of ITS in South Dakota Work Zones

28 Traffic Information Dissemination Equipment Package This Equipment package provides the capability to disseminate incident related information to travelers and private information service providers. Figure 6 Traffic Information Dissemination with RCRS, DMS and HAR. Figure 6 may be the most typical use of a DMS in South Dakota. Road condition data placed in the Road Condition Reporting System (RCRS) will inform SDDOT personnel of road and traffic conditions that need to be displayed on a DMS to inform motorists. Figure 7 below illustrates communication between a mobile traffic management center and cameras, traffic signal controllers and DMSs. This is the scenario used for special events such as the Sturgis motorcycle rally. Figure 7 Mobile Traffic Management Center Package. 20 SD Applications of ITS in South Dakota Work Zones

29 Conclusion It appears from the survey and literature that our greatest need is for communicating with our portable signs, specifically in Mitchell, Winner, Yankton, Rapid City and Sioux Falls. A few respondents felt that Automated Speed Enforcement and transmitters to inform drivers of an approaching work zone might be worth investigating. Some surveys stated that the problem in work zones is not that the workers are unaware of drivers, but the drivers are unaware of the workers. To address that concern, we should be focused on putting timely and relevant messages on our DMSs to inform motorists and effectively slow traffic. There was little support for such things as sensors for measuring queue length and promoting early lane merges. A number of special events were listed on the surveys. By using central control software, and planning for each of these special events, traffic engineers will be able to program messages for each DMS located near a special event for several traffic scenarios. If, for example, traffic is backed up at one entrance to a park, DMSs may be configured in real time to give messages on all pertinent routes that another entrance should be used. If an incident occurs, drivers can be informed as to which route they should use as an alternative. IDI central software appears to be the most suitable and feasible software for controlling field devices. It is capable of controlling any device that is National Transportation Communications for ITS Protocol (NTCIP) compliant. Recommendations 1. Upgrade those portable DMSs in each region that are mechanically in good shape and new enough that new controllers and communication equipment can be interfaced. About two portable DMSs in each region should have an IDI controller installed to make it NTCIP compliant, allowing remote communications with central software. The upgrade should include a GPS transceiver, necessary for portable devices that will be relocated frequently. In a couple of areas, no DMSs are usable. In those cases, new signs should be purchased. 2. Purchase IDI control software for the monitoring and control of DMSs statewide. IDI software is capable of controlling not only permanent and portable DMSs, but other NTCIP devices such as cameras, weather sensors, road closure gates and traffic signals. The software is capable of scheduling messages on signs and intelligent control such as monitoring information from sensors and displaying an appropriate message on a DMS. IDI software is more capable and easily configurable than ADDCO s VTOC software. 3. Require the use of the attached specifications when requisitioning new portable DMSs. The specifications in Appendix A ensure that DMSs purchased by SDDOT meet minimum requirements for performance, maintenance, and NTCIP conformance and communication. 4. When purchasing new DMSs, specify NTCIP testing and on-site communications survey for acceptance. NTCIP testing ensures that new devices will communicate with central software reliably. IDI has software for performing this testing called Device Tester. Performing on-site communications survey in 21 SD Applications of ITS in South Dakota Work Zones