TAPCO Works With WISDOT To Provide Real-time Driver Feedback and Traveler Information

Dynamic Message Signs transmit instantaneous, real-time traffic-related information uploaded wirelessly via portable and permanent devices in 94 North-South Freeway Project

Along the I-94 freeway corridor between Milwaukee and Chicago, real-time technology is keeping drivers informed of expected travel times, closures and potential delays due to volume, road construction, accidents and other factors. All this is being accomplished at a reduced cost, with a greater degree of efficiency, flexibility and accuracy than ever before.

The State of Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WISDOT) has combined efforts with Traffic & Parking Control Company, Inc. (TAPCO) and several other companies to blend technologies and expertise into an ITS framework. The resulting system collects information remotely, and then converts it to expected travel times. These travel times are transmitted to and displayed on Dynamic Message Signs (DMS) mounted on overhead structures, as well as on trailer-mounted portable LED message boards positioned along the interstate highway system. As a result, drivers throughout the 94 North-South Freeway Project are enabled in real time to make safer, informed choices regarding travel routes.

Wireless, Solar-powered Microwave Detection

In the not-too-distant past, traffic data was collected by in-pavement loop detectors and road tubes. Now, with the advancement of microwave technologies, solar-powered Microwave Detectors (MWD) positioned at fixed locations wirelessly transmit traffic data to the fiber optic network backbone that, in turn, relays the data to the WISDOT Statewide Traffic Operations Center (STOC). Far superior to conventional systems, the new generation RTMS G4 detector draws so little power (just 3W) that it can be powered by a solar panel.  It monitors up to 12 lanes of traffic with no minimum setback required. Installation is safe and fast using existing roadside poles, eliminating the need for expensive trenching and wiring, as well as lane closures and resultant delays.

MWD data transfer is accurate and speedy in all weather conditions. Installed in a side-fired configuration, they deliver data to the STOC every 30 seconds via RF, Ethernet or landline modems. Incident management by WISDOT personnel is automated by rapid processing and integration with the CCTV system, allowing real-time VMS updates. Freeway traffic management and incident detection systems provide separate alerts to track incidents and for recurrent congestion.

Flexible location wireless video via solar-powered trailer-mounted 360º dome cameras

Throughout the 94 North-South Freeway Project, trailer-mounted robotic cameras capture live, streaming video and webcast images. Within minutes of being deployed they can begin to transmit video to the STOC wirelessly via the Ethernet Broadband Communication System. Traffic volume and speed data are then directed, via fiber optic ‘backbone’ that links the entire freeway network, to a Central Computer that converts them to travel times. Travel times are then relayed wirelessly to the appropriate Portable Message Boards and DMS. Based on these displayed travel times, road users can immediately make informed route choices that will reduce the time to reach their destinations. A 32-foot locking mast extension provides the flexibility to capture video from a wide range of elevations, positioning the camera above obstructions such as overpasses. These 35x optical / 12x digital zoom cameras are manipulated remotely by WISDOT.

These sun-powered trailers collect the energy required for their operation from solar panels, so they can be stationed wherever they are needed to monitor traffic flow. As work is completed, the trailers can be moved to the next appropriate workzone or location that requires remote monitoring. This degree of flexibility far outpaces any previous technology for video capture.

WISDOT personnel remotely monitor and control both permanent and portable cameras through a secure, wireless network. With this sophisticated quick-response management solution they are able to track incidents and construction progress with image archiving and time-lapse documentation.

These cameras permit WISDOT personnel to monitor, webcast and manage traffic movement in full motion: in color by day, infrared by night. The State of Wisconsin hosts a website www.511wi.gov that provides the public with traffic camera images that are updated every three minutes, real-time information and the current messages being displayed on message boards throughout the statewide system. Other information made available to the public includes average speeds, road construction project details, road/ramp closures and navigational directions. Travelers can also dial 511 for free, real-time travel conditions and can set their own personalized travel profiles to receive travel time and alert information.

WISDOT installation is the first in the US with a unique, Non-intrusive Speed Incident Prevention System.

TAPCO assisted WISDOT in designing and installing a unique, non-intrusive Traffic Control System with equipment that determines the type and speed of individual vehicles to help prevent rollovers at a particularly dangerous stretch of highway in the Milwaukee Metropolitan area. 

Previous to the implementation of this non-intrusive Speed Incident Prevention System location, this location had experienced a higher level of vehicle rollovers and related incidents that caused injuries, vehicle and infrastructure damage. Now, in a unique blend of technology and resources, TAPCO has provided solutions with a combination of three technologies: Microwave, Ultrasonic and Infrared detection.

On a series of curves on Interstate Highway 94 north of Mitchell International Airport, drivers traveling faster than a predetermined vehicle-dependent speed are warned by per-lane DMS that they are proceeding ‘TOO FAST FOR CURVE’. The DMS provide instantaneous feedback so that over-speed drivers can reduce their vehicle’s speed to safe levels prior to negotiating the curve.

Unique and critical to this system are dedicated-lane microwave detectors that identify both the type and speed of vehicle approaching.  This is a critical combination because the bigger the vehicle, the greater the potential for an over-speed rollover. Whereas a motorcycle or automobile could safely proceed at a particular speed, larger vehicles such as a van/pickup, bus, truck or semi-trailer must reduce their speed further to safely negotiate the curve.

The effectiveness of this system depends on the accuracy of identification and warning to over-speed vehicles. Any system that falsely alarms drivers to reduce their speed unnecessarily soon becomes ignored.  This new TAPCO system is designed to ensure this level of accuracy.

Over-Height Vehicle Detection and DMS Warning System

TAPCO assisted WISDOT in developing a system that identifies over-height vehicles and warns them to exit prior to bridges that will not accommodate their height, thereby minimizing if not eliminating the occurrence of over-height related incidents or accidents. When the dual-beam infrared light system detects overheight violators, a VMS is triggered to redirect the driver to a route that will accommodate the vehicle. The dual beam senses the vehicle’s direction thereby preventing false detection.

Amber Alerts

Road users are notified of missing persons and kidnap victims. DMS Amber Alerts may include a vehicle description, as well as a physical description of the person(s) involved. This system has proven effective in recruiting road users to help identify those missing so that they may be returned safely.

Evacuation Contingencies

Travel routes can change due to any number of natural disasters, including hurricanes, tsunami, fires and earthquakes. Evacuation route planning is challenging because the number of evacuees usually exceeds the capacity, i.e. the number of vehicles that can move along each route in a unit time. VMS and related technologies can fulfill a key component of evacuation and re-routing contingencies.

Summary

Several benefits are realized by the combined use of the newest technologies over the use of previous systems:

Smarter: The increased ITS capabilities of these new technologies in identification, transfer of data and warnings via DMS allow these real-time solutions where they were not previously possible.

Economical: This non-intrusive detection system greatly reduces long-term maintenance costs. Any in-pavement equipment installation will, in time, need to be replaced. By eliminating the need for in-pavement installation, lane or road closures are not required and construction-caused congestion and incidents are eliminated.

Flexibility:  The portable nature of solar, wireless technologies allows these systems to be relocated with minimal time and effort.

Efficiency: Real-time information reduces the number of accidents, fatalities, and delays for those who use that portion of the freeway system.

Safer: Monitoring systems can be set up in a matter of hours without traffic disruption.

They allow extension of network or road changes with no disruption of monitoring.

Rapid installation takes usually less than 1 hour.

Traffic & Parking Control Co, Inc. (TAPCO)