Starting in late summer of 2003, motorists in Polk County, Fla., have faced the effects of a large-scale lane widening construction project along I-4. Ultimately, this project will provide a 29.5-mile improved six-lane interstate through Polk County, west of Memorial Blvd. in Lakeland to the Osceola County line.
To minimize the traffic delay, congestion and accidents that normally accompany large construction projects, FDOT called for the installation of a portable intelligent transportation system (ITS) to be deployed in conjunction with the project. The goal of the portable ITS deployment was to make the work zone as safe and congestion-free as possible.
FDOT’s engineering firm, Dyer, Riddle, Mills, and Precourt (DRMP) contracted ADDCO Inc., St. Paul, Minn., to lead the design, installation, deployment, operation and maintenance of the portable ITS. The equipment was supplied by ADDCO and contracted through a long-term leasing agreement which included a buy-out option available at the end of the project. Due to ADDCO’s experience in work-zone deployments as well as its ability to supply both devices and staffing, FDOT was able to completely outsource the ITS function of the lane-widening project. This not only removed the cost of working with numerous partners but also eliminated the funding associated with providing in-house staffing. Furthermore, the lease option gave FDOT a test run of the equipment, creating a chance to see the functionality and benefits of the system without requiring a permanent costly increase in inventory.
The ADDCO portable ITS in Polk County includes the following devices:
1) Eleven ADDCO Smart Zone Portable Traffic Management Systems. Smart Zones incorporate a surveillance camera, dynamic message sign and sensors on one portable platform using ADDCO VTOC software and 2.4 GHz spread spectrum radio to send and receive current traffic information;
2) Ten ADDCO Brick ALS DH1000 PCMS;
3) Fourteen portable trailers equipped with microwave sensors to detect traffic speeds and volumes; and
4) Two highway advisory radios.
Each of the devices used for the portable ITS were integrated using ADDCO’s Virtual Transportation Operations Center (VTOC) software. This Internet-based software allows full-networking capabilities of all desired ITS devices and systems. Operators with security access can operate all system devices (changeable message signs, variable speed limit signs, surveillance cameras, detection devices, etc.) from any computer with access to the Internet, allowing control even in the absence of a traditional traffic management facility and manpower.
The portable ITS is controlled by traffic operators, hired and trained by ADDCO, located in a temporary construction operations center in the Polk County area. These operators collect and analyze the real-time traffic information provided by the deployed devices. Information relevant to motorists is relayed via the portable changeable message signs placed along the roadways.
Since initial deployment in 2003, Polk County motorists have been kept informed through roadway signs and highway advisory radios distributing pertinent information over several radio stations. Additionally, starting in March 2004, drivers have had open access to real-time traffic information through the project website (www.i4polk.com). Throughout the project, perception of system effectiveness has been positive. The ADDCO Polk County portable ITS has truly created a safe, efficient, “smart” work zone.
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