Making the Full Circle

Traffic detection, classification and data collection through the use of traffic loops and related equipment help to provide efficient operation for traffic networks, toll systems and parking facilities, each of which have the goal of improving the flow of traffic while reducing congestion and pollution.

With that in mind, ITS World takes a brief look at some of the manufacturers of traffic loops, traffic loop software and traffic loop display systems that are available in the ITS industry today.

St. Paul, Minn.-based 3M ITS designed the Canoga Vehicle Detection System to provide solution-precision technology that accurately detects vehicle presence and movement so that engineers can maximize traffic efficiency.

Additionally, the company’s Noninvasive Microloop leaves the road surface intact and traffic flowing during installation because it is installed into a protective, plastic conduit buried below the road surface. Count accuracy is within 99.6% of the accuracy of conventional loops, according to 3M.

Oracle Inductive Loop Detectors from Control Technologies Inc., Sanford, Fla., feature a liquid crystal display allowing for multiple lines of information to be displayed.

A bar graph is displayed to show the deflection caused by vehicles crossing the loop and allows the operator to select the optimum sensitivity for a particular installation.

Next Generation Closed Loop System software from Eagle T.C.S. of Austin, Texas, provides real-time information for any system intersection, uploading and downloading of data without interrupting normal traffic control operation and numerous other features.

A variety of system reports, systems capabilities as well as the status of master and local monitoring also are available.

The Marksman 660 from Golden River Traffic Ltd., Bicester, Oxfordshire, U.K., is a traffic counter and classifier designed to provide accurate and dependable data for road traffic information systems. It is fully programmable, providing count and vehicle type classification data. Up to eight high-flow, uni-directional or bi-directional lanes of traffic can be monitored.

The 1700 Series High-temp Performed Loops from IDC Detector Systems, a subsidiary of U.S. Traffic Corp., Santa Fe Springs, Calif., are available in a wide range of loop configurations. Ideal for use for a number of applications in conjunction with concrete rebar applications such as bridges, highways, roadways and parking structures, the loops eliminate the need for pavement sawing equipment.

LD 450/850 Series 4/8 channel vehicle loop detectors are Nema Card multi-channel inductive loop detectors from Never-Fail Loop Systems, Portland, Ore. Compatible with most Nema Card detectors, the detectors offer an optional RS485 communications port.

Used primarily for traffic control, toll systems and vehicle counting, the detector’s standard features include a reset switch, a presence/passage feature, selectable presence time and switch-selectable sensitivity.

NC-30X Countcard traffic counters from Uniontown, Pa.-based Nu-Metrics are installed on the roadway using the CC-3044 Die Cast Aluminum Installation Ramp or by cutting a slot in the highway. The Countcard offers durability and performance in a small profile unit. Two keys and a 6-digit display operate the unit’s programmed functions for a variety of intervals to record average speed and relative percentage of truck traffic.

Features of the MIST Freeway System from PB Farradyne Inc., Rockville, Md., include the ability to gather and display Measures of Effectiveness collected from count stations located throughout a roadway system. Typical data consists of volume, occupancy, speed, vehicle classification, delay, etc. data. Loop, radar or video detectors, or any electronic device that can be polled by the system generate calculation of this data.

A singular or modular multi-lane toll data collection system which offers vehicle separation, classification and trigger outputs is available from Peek Traffic Inc., Sarasota, Fla.

Known as Idris Smart Loops, it features a number of classifications that include vehicle length, number and spacing of axles, presence of dual tires and vehicle profile. The loops can be set up and operated by remote telemetry via modem or direct connection, or directly in the field with a computer via software.

Known as the Model 222 Series, the dual channel, inductive loop vehicle detector from Reno A&E of Reno, Nev., combines two detectors’ channels in a single unit. With four levels of frequencies per channel and loops that are sequentially scanned, crosstalk is essentially eliminated.

Manufactured by LyHelton, South Africa-based Truvelo Manufacturers, the TDL-500, coupled with inductive loops and weight sensors, has become known for providing accurate, high-speed weigh-in-motion data. The systems are used for cost-effective road pavement design; research; predicting levels of pollution on tunnels based on actual vehicle weights; road pavement maintenance planning; and axle load monitoring and screening and recording of relative load movements.

Surface-mounted type Inductive Loops from Chalgrove Oxfordshire, U.K., offer traffic engineers the ability to monitor or control traffic at locations not previously feasible. The loop is fitted onto the road surface using one of a variety of methods such as bituminous tape or base adhesive so it can be removed and reinstalled elsewhere.