The state’s four largest universities have joined forces with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) and local industry to form an organization that aims to bring industry and university researchers together to collaborate on transportation issues.

Great Lakes Transportation Enterprise Institute (GLTEI), which includes the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee (UWM), Marquette University, the Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW) and UW–Madison, will identify opportunities for all sectors to help develop innovative new products in areas such as highway safety, green technologies and work force sustainability. 

Led by Traffic & Parking Control Co. (TAPCO) Inc., based in Brown Deer, and TrafficCast International, based in Madison, representatives from more than 20 companies in Central and Southeastern Wisconsin met March 4 at TAPCO in Brown Deer to share ideas and recruit membership.

WisDOT Deputy Secretary Ruben Anthony told the group that fatalities on state highways are at their lowest level in years, but better technologies for management of information will be critical to continued progress in tight budgetary times.

One idea that emerged from the meeting involves establishing a technology “test bed” along the Milwaukee-Madison corridor to evaluate ways to better coordinate traffic signals, provide alternate route guidance and monitor conditions. Another is to develop speed-control technologies that adjust the readings on digital speed limit signs depending on the environment.

Nick Kiernan of TrafficCast said a group such as GLTEI would have been beneficial to the company when it was developing its new wireless product, BlueTOAD, which determines travel times by detecting anonymous Bluetooth signals emanating from passing vehicles.

GLTEI offers access to an array of expertise at academic centers such as UWM’s Center for Urban Transportation Studies, Marquette’s Transportation Research Center, MCW’s Injury Research Center and UW–Madison’s Traffic Operations and Safety Lab.

“Innovations in transportation can strengthen Wisconsin’s economy and create jobs,” said Rick Bergholz, president of the board of GLTEI and CEO of TAPCO. “We’ve already tapped into the community here to help develop advanced signage and signaling. When you look at the companies and resources in Wisconsin, it’s all about connecting the dots.”

In addition to GLTEI, Lovell announced a research alliance called the Milwaukee University Transportation Research & Development Consortium that includes area universities to support initiatives to improve safety, reliability and job creation in the transportation sector.

For more, go to www.GreatLakesTransportation.org.