Virginia recently took a step toward integrating communication between the state’s five traffic management centers.
Along with creating a more cohesive traffic and emergency communication network, the upgraded Advanced Traffic Management System at some point is supposed to allow for automated, real-time traffic management as well as the integration of emerging technology such as connected vehicles.
The state’s system will be integrated in phases during the next two years, according to the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) plan. It will cost an estimated $13.9 million to build and implement and $11.9 million to operate and maintain over the life of the initial four-year contract.
The first phase of the conversion is slated for April at the traffic centers in Staunton, Salem and Richmond. The second phase is set to launch in Hampton Roads in September 2017 and the third phase will bring in the Northern Virginia traffic management center in March 2018. The plan’s final phase, in October 2018, will integrate the traffic and lane closure portion of the technology into the system.
The system will allow for such things as updated messages to be sent by digital signs about weather or incidents or work zones. The data will also be shared by VDOT, Virginia State Police and 911 centers.
