Next Generation Traffic Management

Centers

Brian L. Smith and Robert Kluger

Webinar series presented by

MAUTC, University of Virginia and VDOT

Webinar Goals

Take a brief look at the emerging technology that can benefit traffic management centers and outline the benefits and costs of implementing new systems focused on that technology.

Primary Technology Investigated

• Cloud Computing• High Speed Wireless• Smartphones• Connected Vehicles

Traffic Management Centers

Staffed physical locations include computer clusters, CCTV feeds, and close proximity to Emergency Dispatchers.

Staff monitor CCTV cameras, take calls, and dispatch vehicles to assist with incidents and maintain traffic flow.

Poll Question (Type answer in Chat)

What application of Cloud Computing do you think is the highest potential?

What do you think is the greatest risk of using Cloud Computing?

Field Device Management

Field Device ManagementManaged ITS is generally connected to the TMC via an extensive network of fiber optic cables where commands are sent to the ITS from the TMC operators and data is transmitted back to the TMC’s servers.

4G Wireless telecommunications are a substitute for fiber with the following benefits:

– No trenching required to deploy ITS.– Not limited to existing network, which means rural areas are more accessible to

regional management centers.

Traveler InformationUsed in a variety of situations including incident alerts, weather alerts, construction alerts, and travel time notifications.

Message signs can be permanent or can be mobile and are used in different situations.

511 is a DOT controlled number that can be called to get local conditions at certain mileposts. The is frequently an Application and Webpage that can also be visited

Traveler Information

Smartphone technology has penetrated 68.8% of the mobile market. This technology should be used more aggressively in the dispersion of traveler information.– Social Media – Applications that deliver messages as

drivers enter a zone (VDMS)– Navigation apps that report incidents

Poll Question

Smartphones are enough to warrant slowing or stopping the deployment of Variable Message Signs by TMCs and other traffic management agencies.

1 2 3 4 5

Strongly Disagree

Strongly Agree

Data Management• Data is collected by ITS and generally stored in on-site servers at the TMC

or in the DOT.

• A fee-for-service cloud for data storage offers the following benefits.– Computer and server issues are now solved by the service provide and so are

updates to software.– Sever space can be purchased as needed.– The physical space is now available for other TMC operations.– Easy platform for distribution within the DOT and to contractors outside the

DOT.

Poll Question

Which of the technology discussed can have the greatest impact on TMCs in the short term future?

1) Cloud Computing2) Smartphones3) 4G Wireless Communications