Traffic responsive systems
Traffic-responsive systems continuously monitor real-time traffic conditions and automatically respond with appropriate and dynamic messaging, such as driving instructions and traffic condition information. These systems are designed to manage work zone traffic control and to meet temporary traveler information needs. They include:
- Travel Time Information systems are continuously updated to provide current travel time between the driver’s location and a specific destination downstream. This system automatically gives motorists real-time information bases on pre-programmed algorithms and current traffic conditions. In advance of a decision point, it provides route choice and may smooth traffic flow.
- Delay Time Information systems provide drivers with the current length of delay time to a particular downstream location. Delay Time Information systems are based on the current queue speed compared to normal travel speed.
- Route Management Information systems may be provided to various audiences based on their informational needs. For instance, public websites for extended projects and integration with Highway Advisory Radio networks are options that provide valuable, real-time route management information. Travel time, alternate route guidance, and updates on major construction (e.g., pending traffic changes or planned road closures) may be part of automated Route Management systems.
- Stopped Traffic Warnings automatically alert drivers to an upcoming traffic slow-down or stopped traffic and provide time to stop safely. This system may also provide time to choose alternate routes. Stopped Traffic Warnings are used when queue lengths are estimated to vary widely day to day and hour by hour and when queues are so extended that they go beyond drivers’ reasonable expectations for stopped traffic.
- Dynamic Speed Displays automatically indicate the current speed and the posted speed limit to each passing driver. This application may be especially valuable when workers are adjacent to the open lane of traffic or when roadway conditions are especially hazardous.
- Dynamic Lane Merge systems alert drivers to upcoming traffic slowdowns or stopped traffic when two lanes of traffic merge to one lane. Dynamic Merge systems automatically provide specific direction to drivers about appropriate merge points and merge behavior, and continuously detect lane speeds and volumes to dynamically display accurate messages. Dynamic Lane Merge systems reduce queue length. Further, by reducing the speed differential between lanes, this system decreases travel time through the work zone and may reduce aggressive driving behaviors.
Projects references
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I-70/I-57 EFFINGHAM, IL Effingham, IL is located at the crossroads of two major freeways (I-70 & I-57) which accommodate very high heavy truck volumes (over 50% as shown above). The Illinois Governor directed DOT staff to utilize smart work zones and specifically queue warning systems after the state experienced two major fatalities on heavy truck routes in work zones the previous year. Application:Traffic Responsive, Delay Time/Alternate Routes & Queue Warnings  Project datasheet (361k) |
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I-80 SW Chicago, Will County Imagine reducing I-80, just southwest of Chicago, down to one lane while accommodating very high heavy truck traffic. This forty mile segment of roadway consisting of four contracts did just that. Delays? You bet! Real-Time information upstream to warn motorists of actual delay times and queue warnings…essential. Typical free flow travel times of 20 minutes would typically double or triple every weekday for several hours. Smart traffic management systems cannot always eliminate delay, but they can provide advance warning at key decision points upstream of the problem areas. Application:Traffic Responsive, Travel Time & Queue Warnings Project datasheet (361k) |
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I-94 Red River Bridge (Fargo-Moorhead) This busy freeway section provides a vital link between the twin cities of Fargo, ND and Moorhead, MN and the roughly 40,000 ADT which includes a higher than normal percentage of truck traffic. The regularly posted speeds at 70 mph, thus it was vital to convey delay times at the far limits of this work area and queue warning systems as vehicles enclosed on the work area. Application: Traffic Responsive – Delay Time & Queue Warning Project datasheet (397k) |
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I-80 Mississippi Bridge Rehabilitation This major Interstate bridge resurfacing project turned into a bridge structural repair project after it began. Our system was originally intended to provide stopped traffic warnings and alternate route management. As a result of the unanticipated bridge repairs all eastbound traffic was rerouted via our PCMS’s to the I-280 Quad Cities bypass. Application:Traffic Responsive Route Management & Queue Warning Project datasheet (361k) |
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I-96 Lansing-Detroit This major Interstate route carries between 45,000 and 134,000 ADT between Lansing and the Detroit metropolitan area. JamLogic has provided travel times and delay times for this route and alternative routes as one enters the Detroit metro. JamLogic was incorporated many of the DOT’s existing sensors and data from additional privately owned sensors. By combining all the available sensors we were able to provide accurate travel times along this approximate 20 mile segment of freeway throughout multiple reconstruction projects. Application: Traffic Responsive – Travel Time-Delay Time-Route Mgt Project datasheet (397k) |
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I-75/Gateway Metro Reconstruction For this major highway and bridge reconstruction in metropolitan Detroit, the Michigan Department of Transportation required lane closures and traffic rerouting. MDOT’s goals include increased capacity, improved traffic flow at a major bridge crossing, and decreased traffic volume on city streets. Alternate travel route availability and guidance is invaluable in this work zone covering 14 lane miles and carrying 110,000 ADT. JamLogic has been providing comprehensive, network-level data for management of this complex project, the largest single bid item undertaken to date by the Michigan DOT. This intelligent work zone system provides information to residents and visitors alike and helps to manage traffic at the Ambassador Bridge, the largest U.S.-Canada commercial crossing. Applications include travel times for alternate routes, web control of PCMS for contractors and DOT staff, and live camera images. Application: Traffic Responsive – Traveler Information, Route Management & Travel Time Project datasheet (397k) |
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TH 61 Hastings Bridge Repairs The DOT initiated this bridge reconstruction soon after the collapse of the 35W Bridge in Minneapolis. This old steel truss structure also had weakened gusset plates and needed immediate repair. This two lane bridge along TH 61 crossing the Mississippi River was reduced to one lane of alternating traffic resulting in major delays for JamLogic together with MnDOT designed and deployed an automated work zone that conveyed travel times, suggested alternate routes during major congestion and provided stopped traffic warnings to the traffic approaching the queued vehicles. Prepare to Stop static signs with flashers (shown below) were installed along the long southbound approach to the bridge to reduce the chance of rear end crashes. A combination of queue length and delay time determined automatic activation for Use Alternate Route messaging.. Application: Traffic ResponsiveDelay – Time-Alt. Routes, Queue Warning Project datasheet (397k) |
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35W Bridge Collapse-Rapid Deployment Following the collapse of the I-35W bridge over the Mississippi River in Minneapolis, MN, JamLogic deployed and maintained alternate route (TH 280) and travel information signs while Mn/DOT developed a networklevel plan. The system consisted of 4 cameras and 4 sensors. Sensor data and camera feeds were integrated with Mn/DOT’s Remote Traffic Management Center (RTMC). Our products were deployed and fully operational on August 5, 2007, four days after the bridge collapse. Application: Traffic Responsive – Traveler Information, Alternate Route Info Project datasheet (397k) |
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M-10 “The Lodge” Major Reconstruction The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) tackled major roadway reconstruction and bridge repair in Detroit. Highway M-10, known to residents as “The Lodge”, connects downtown Detroit and its northwestern suburbs via 6 lanes with156,000 ADT. Since MDOT had to close multiple lanes of traffic, the real-time travel information services Traffic Technologies provided were instrumental for effective traffic management. With JamLogic, MDOT achieve project goals in the following key ways: Reliable and accurate travel time information allowed alternate travel routes to be established. Supplying travel time, rather than delay time, gave drivers added control and choice while creating real opportunities to reduce congestion. The JamLogic system supported MDOT’s high standards for public communication. Application: Traffic Responsive – Traveler Information, Travel Time Project datasheet (397k) |
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I-80 Work Zone Management The Nebraska Department of Roads (NDOR) performed reconstruction and bridge widening on Interstate 80, the busiest highway in Lincoln and primary connector with Omaha. NDOR required a temporary work zone traffic management system capable of communicating with their existing roadside signs. We designed, deployed, and maintained a JamLogic system for the project’s duration with local project management and assistance from ITERIS, Inc. The JamLogic system and devices supplied travelers with real-time traffic information, including travel times, incident reports, and congestion reports. Application: Traffic Responsive – Travel Time & Lane Management Project datasheet (397k) |
