Camera Sly
TM+E
April 2008
By Bill Wilson
Immoral practices involving red-light cameras at intersections should be scrutinized in the U.S.
PDF Version
Hall Monitor
TM+E
April 2008
By William W. Stoeckert and Stanley E. Young, Ph.D., P.E.
Vehicles are set up to probe traffic conditions not just along I-95 but also on 1,000 miles of arterials
PDF Version
Delay of time
TM+E
April 2008
By Smith Siromaskul, P.E., and W.D. Balwin, P.E.
Oregon calculates delay times to help schedule bridge projects
PDF Version
Hand in hand
TM+E
April 2008
By Eric Roecks
Committee hopes by exchanging information, transportation and public-safety agencies can stay in tune
PDF Version
The free-[market]-way
TM+E
October 2007
By Samuel I. Schwartz, P.E., and Annie Weinstock
Congestion pricing as a way to manage demand for a scarce resource
Routes to the ready
TM+E
October 2007
By Richard F. Jenkins Jr., P.E.
South Carolina plots new course to evacuate before a hurricane hits
A slab of relief
TM+E
October 2007
By Gary Groat
P3s promise to cut congestion in two Virginia areas with projects now under way
Mega-Leaders
TM+E
October 2007
By Daniel Baxter
Megaprojects show the way to a cure for congestion
Treading Data
TM+E
July 2007
By Tony Lapolito
As traffic information threatens to deluge operations centers, managers search for a way to stay dry and organized
Arterial circle in the neighborhood
TM+E
July 2007
By Lawrence C. Creed, Esq., P.E., and Jason D. Smallwood, P.E.
Modern roundabout well suited for one of Ohio’s fastest growing cities
Internet opens all doors
TM+E
July 2007
Jeff Zindel
The key to wrapping all municipal departments as well as advanced traffic management into a connected community
Yearning to be mobile
TM+E
July 2007
By Daniel Baxter
ITS in America needs a wholesale upgrade—and money—to beat congestion
Under New Management
TM+E
January 2007
By Tim Heilmeier, P.E.
Public-private initiatives allow Georgia to explore managed lanes in Atlanta
From Clark Street to Super ST.
TM+E
October 2005
by Joseph e. Hummer, Ph.D., P.E.
Superstreets offer a promising solution to the mess on most suburban arterials. They offer more efficient and safer travel, at grade, in an atmosphere of controlled speeds that welcomes pedestrians.
PDF Version
Going With the Flow
TM+E
July 2005
Hannagin Fox
“When an intersection gets to the point that the only solution is an interchange, CFI is able to come in and solve the congestion problem.”
Thick Traffic
TM+E
October 2004
By Bruce Churchill
At the peak of the firestorms on Oct. 28, 1,659 engines were committed along with 65 helicopters and 13,371 personnel on the fire lines in southern California. This article describes the transportation impacts during the most critical stages of the Cedar Fire in San Diego County.
Send Another Ambulance
TM+E
July 2004
Officials must make decisions on how to provide appropriate levels of service in the face of increasing demand for services and increasing congestion levels.
Securing emergency operations
TM+E
January 2004
Salvatore D'Agostino
The role of the Traffic Management Center (TMC) or Traffic Operations Center (TOC) has evolved from monitoring traffic and incidents and coordinating response to a much broader role in acting as an Emergency Management Agency Operations Center. These facilities have been chosen as possible emergency operation centers as a result of their wide-area surveillance, communications, command and control infrastructure and operational experience. This expanded role creates a number of challenges for operations in the area of logical and physical security.
Let the expert handle it
TM+E
January 2004
Lyle E. Devries, P.E., Jake Kononov, P.E.
The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) recently undertook an ambitious endeavor: develop a methodology for scheduling lane closures along state highway facilities within metro Denver to maximize the hours available for necessary maintenance while minimizing the inevitable delays to the driver.
Lines are open now
TM+E
October 2003
Al Karr
The new "5-1-1" travel advisory service tells motorists in some areas where to expect traffic tie-ups caused by highway crashes and other events. The talk in the ITS community is that 5-1-1 services before long could become their flagship.
Timing is everything
TM+E
October 2003
Bill Wilson
Red-light running is a traffic epidemic in this country. Metropolitan transportation officials are trying to contain this killer virus that makes the infected think more about themselves than the safety of others.
Enter the Center
TM+E
October 2003
Arthur Schurr
The $10 million Orange County Traffic Management Center (OCTMC) marks the beginning of a new era in traffic management, one in which Orange County freeways can now be carefully and precisely managed to expedite traffic and ease congestion.
Fixing America's Pedestrian Safety Problem
TM+E
June-July 2003
Tamara Redmon
In response to the pedestrian fatality rate, many states and localities are looking at non-traditional measures and devices to improve pedestrian safety. Some of these devices have been included in the most recent revision of the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), which is the standard for all signs, signals and pavement markings on roads open to public travel. Some of the devices that are not in the MUTCD are currently being considered for inclusion.
ITS on a Rocky Mountain High
TM+E
June-July 2003
Debra Otto
To provide accurate, quality roadway information, the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) is well under way in reaching its goal of implementing the country's first statewide communication network. A fiber-optic system covering Colorado will allow the sharing of data and video throughout the state. Currently, the CDOT is creating a telecommunications infrastructure that will be the backbone for all agencies to share information, including critical traffic data.
Can't We Raise the Bar Just a Little?
TM+E
June-July 2003
Philip J. Tarnoff
Signal timing projects have been shown to have benefit-cost ratios as high as 80:1, while ratios of 20:1 are common. Yet surveys of traffic signal operation have consistently shown that these important devices are receiving inadequate attention to ensure efficient traffic operation. The promise of ITS can only be met with improved traffic controls, which in turn suggests the need for increased emphasis on signal system operations.
Not Fade Away
TM+E
June-July 2003
Joanne Smith
A new liquid pavement marking system is now available that is brighter and more durable than other liquid systems. It also dries in minutes and can be applied at lower temperatures. Manufactured by 3M, the Liquid Pavement Marking System provides about three times the initial reflectivity of conventional markings.
Day Tripper
TM+E
June-July 2003
Tim Gregorski
Perhaps a flexible hours-based incentive program should be examined, as its benefits are innumerable. Not only would an employee cut the amount of time spent in gridlock to and from the office by leaving an hour or two later than usual, a flexible hours program also could have an effect on traffic congestion as less vehicles are on the road during peek hours. This could in turn lead to less stress on those who face gridlock every day, which may lead to a more productive workplace.
RWIS: Weathering the Storm
TM+E
April-May 2003
Bruce Abernethy
This article discusses ITS technology as it relates to weather and as deployed in intelligent transportation subsystems referred to as roadway weather information subsystems (RWIS).
The $200 Million Woman
TM+E
February-March 2003
For this installment of Industry Interview, Transportation Management + Engineering recently asked Casalino what led to her becoming project manager for the Wacker Drive reconstruction, her experiences in this role, as well as what's on tap for the next leg of the Wacker Drive project--a $250 million job scheduled to begin in two years.
A Tale of Two Borders
TM+E
February-March 2003
Tim Bickmore
Our ability to leverage existing intelligent transportation systems technology provides a solid foundation for accelerating our country's homeland security initiatives and defending our liberties.
Transit in Canada at a Crossroads
TM+E
February-March 2003
Michael W. Roschlau
Public transit in Canada has traditionally had a strong reputation internationally. This had been due partly to robust ridership, efficient operations and high service levels, but also to major milestones that have made a mark for Canadian transit innovations over the years. In the early 21st century, however, public transit in Canada finds itself at a crossroads of significant proportions.
On the Leading Edge
TM+E
February-March 2003
Jimmy Chu and David Yohanan
The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) has made a substantial investment in development of the Northern Virginia Smart Traffic Center (NoVa STC). VDOT's overriding goal is to upgrade and maintain the NoVa STC automated traffic management system as a state-of-the-art information technology system whose performance exceeds the expectations of motorists in northern Virginia.
An Eye Toward the Traffic of Tomorrow
TM+E
February-March 2003
Debra Otto
Every day, the city of Irvine experiences a population explosion. The city's population of 160,000 nearly doubles as people commute into this California city to work. The city is committed to reduce traffic congestion by using the latest in traffic management control technology.
An Industry in the Loop
TM+E
December-January 2002
Tim Gregorski
TM+E examines loop detectors and related technologies
Making Traffic Safety a Priority
TM+E
October-November 2002
W. Martin Bretherton, Jr., P.E.
Located in metropolitan Atlanta, Gwinnett County, Ga., with a population of 615,000 has the lowest crash, injury and fatality rates in Georgia for counties with populations greater than 200,000. This article outlines the county's safety programs in order to assist other local governments in North America improve their traffic safety programs.
Launching a Successful TOC
TM+E
October-November 2002
Perry D. Gross, PTOE
If we build smart corridors, traffic operations centers (TOC), incident management programs and all manner of gadgetry we must be improving mobility. I fear that some of the more elemental requirements are not being properly attended to. This article attempts to ease my fears. It is an examination
of evolving TOCs as part of the ITS implementation. This article was conducted
through the lens of public policy and administration (PPA).
Road Rage Spurs Targeted Corridor Enforcement
TM+E
October-November 2002
Henry de Vries
Earlier this year, the New York State Police and the New York State Department of Transportation organized a statewide coordinated effort toward mitigating the types of aggressive driving behaviors that are believed to be the cause of hundreds of traffic related deaths, thousands of injuries and millions of dollars of property damage annually.
Versatility Intact
TM+E
August-September 2002
Tim Gregorski
In this interview with Transportation Management + Engineering, Harold Worrall discusses his role in both the IBTTA and ITSA; how the Orlando-Orange County Expressway Authority E-PASS electronic toll collection program has increased the authority?s revenue; the unique relationship the authority has with the Florida DOT; and what the future holds for the electronic toll collection industry.
Delivering Cutting Edge ITS
TM+E
August-September 2002
C. Michael Walton, Ph.D., P.E.
PrePass, the nation's largest and most successful ITS/CVO deployment, helps motor carriers save time, fuel and money by allowing commercial vehicles to comply electronically with state and federal requirements while bypassing truck inspection stations at highway speeds. Motor carrier participation is strictly voluntary, and only carriers with up-to-date credentials may enroll in the program.
The Price of Congestion
TM+E
August-September 2002
Patrick DeCarla-Suza, AICP
Road-use charges that vary with the level of congestion provide incentives for travelers to shift some trips to off-peak times, less-congested routes or alternative modes, or to cause them to eliminate some lower-valued trips or combine them with other trips.
Living Out A Dream
TM+E
June-July 2002
Jenny L. Grote, international president of the Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE), recently took time out of a busy schedule to discuss how her career has matured from that of a self-proclaimed “unknown commodity” into her current role within ITE.
Wireless Tools of the Trade
TM+E
June-July 2002
Ken Szgatti
Spread Spectrum (S/S) radio modem usage in all aspects of the traffic industry is increasing on a daily basis. The major benefit of S/S technology is its ability to be deployed rapidly, without the challenge of regulatory issues or licensing.
A Recipe for Congestion?
TM+E
June-July 2002
Russell C. Bautch, P.E.
This article explores methods that were used to keep ITS equipment operational and to manage traffic congestion during a major interchange reconstruction and details the lessons that were learned in the process.
Lights, Camera, Action?
TM+E
June-July 2002
Tim Gregorski
There is no question about the effectiveness of ETC in relieving congestion in and around tollbooths. On the other hand, questions have begun to arise regarding the effectiveness of catching electronic toll violators. What can be done to improve the effectiveness of ETC automated enforcement systems?
Strengthening the Signal Industry
TM+E
June-July 2002
Tim Gregorski
The International Municipal Signal Association’s 107th Annual Conference and 25th Annual School takes place Aug. 22-30 at the Hyatt Regency Crystal City, located in Arlington, Va. Operating under the theme “Meeting Today’s Challenges with Tomorrow’s Technology,” the event encompasses top-caliber schools, seminars and technical sessions dealing with a wide variety of transportation and public safety-related subjects, in conjunction with an exhibition area consisting of the industry’s top manufacturers of industry-related products and services.
Streets of Philadelphia
TM+E
June-July 2002
Tim Gregorski
The city plays host to the 2002 Annual Meeting & Exhibit of the Institute of Transportation Engineers Aug. 4-7, 2002, at the Philadelphia Marriott. Highlighting the meeting portion of the ITE annual event are 66 technical sessions comprising six separate tracks—community issues; safety; systems management and operations; traffic engineering; transportation management; and transportation planning/ transit.
A Brighter Future Ahead
TM+E
June-July 2002
Sanjay Gupta
What has become more evident in recent years is that traditional incandescent lamp-based traffic signals are being converted to traffic signals which incorporate light-emitting diodes (LEDs). This article investigates the conversion of traditional traffic signals to those that incorporate an LED-based signal system, as well as the benefits of switching to an LED-based signal.
Building the Bridge Between ITS
TM+E
April-May 2002
Al Karr
Interoperability between traffic systems, both in a technical equipment and a human institutional way, not to mention integration of their operations, is sorely lacking. The systems must be fashioned so they can work together in the interest of saving lives, time and money, these officials say.
The 411 on 511
TM+E
April-May 2002
James Pol and Robert Rupert
The availability of 511 presents an opportunity to redefine how transportation operations affect the everyday traveler. More importantly, via 511 travelers derive the immediate benefit of applying technology to transportation.
Growing Separately, Together
TM+E
April-May 2002
Tim Gregorski
Nevada, Arizona and Colorado are examples of states whose population is rapidly increasing and, coincidentally, are home to some of the nation’s largest road redesign and construction projects.
Traffic Management Field Trial
TM+E
April-May 2002
John Templeton, P.E., and Robert E. Rees, P.E.
To address neighborhood concerns, the city of Concord, California, undertook a program to install temporary speed humps and traffic circles. The devices, made from recycled tires, were designed to be installed and removed in one day. The devices were tested for effectiveness and durability within the city’s maintenance yard before installing them on the street.
The Battle Wages On
TM+E
February-March 2002
Experts explore the pros and cons of smart growth in relation to transportation.
Ahead of the Pace
TM+E
February-March 2002
Dennis Dal Santo and Richard Brazda
With a successful traffic signal priority project in operation and new technological advances on the horizon regarding ITS, Pace, which provides fixed bus routes, dial-a-ride services, vanpools and special events bus service throughout Chicago’s six-county suburban region, sought to develop an enhanced bus management and monitoring system that utilized some of the latest ITS advances. The application of these technologies into a system unique to Pace was dubbed the Intelligent Bus System.
UDOT Goes for Gold
TM+E
February-March 2002
Tim Gregorski
Transportation Management + Engineering looks at what it takes to run a transportation system smoothly, seamlessly and under the scrutiny of thousands of critics.
Incidents Showing Up on Radar
TM+E
February-March 2002
Mike Juha
While it might be desirable to obtain travel time data from freeways by using inductive signatures of vehicles, this approach is dependent upon loops of wire embedded in the roadway, just like the wire loops we already have in place that aren’t working. Maintenance issues and lane closure issues aside, there are accuracy issues with loops.
Moving Up the CHART
TM+E
February-March 2002
Tim Gregorski
Is it possible for a traffic control center to reach maximum potential when it comes to managing traffic on a local basis?
Eyes in the Sky
TM+E
October-November 2001
Tim Gregorski
Video detection allows for a large amount of traffic to be monitored
Help on the Way
TM+E
August-September 2001
James Chong
Measures are being taken to find solutions to the ever-common traffic jam
PDF Version
Boston Unclogs its Central Artery
Roads & Bridges
April 1998
edited by Larry Flynn
Big Dig' construction vehicles allotted 90-minute turn-around time from batch to pour
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