5.2.1 Communication

“Maintain Some Older Technology Which May Be Less Susceptible to Power Outages – In some instances, older technology worked while new technology did not. The most dramatic example of this is the plain old telephone system that for the most part functioned throughout the blackout. In comparison, cell phones, networked phone systems, and portable phones experienced varying degrees of failures due to the loss of electricity or ceased working when limited backup power was exhausted.”
Effects of Catastrophic Events on Transportation System Management and Operations: August 2003 Northeast Blackout New York City
Realize Communication Systems Can Complements ITS Technology – “Communication [complemented] the ITS capability of the agencies during the events. ITS technologies employed in Virginia included advanced traffic management center, variable message signs, and closed circuit television. According to the Virginia Department of Transportation, imagery from the closed circuit television network was extremely useful in assessing the progress and effect of traffic management operations. However, Virginia Department of Transportation personnel perceived the telephone as one of the most important items of technology in use on September 11. Maryland made use of many of the same technologies, finding closed circuit television surveillance of particular utility. Dynamic message signs and highway advisory radio were used for traveler information, along with Web sites advising travelers of road closings and transit disruptions.

In Baltimore and Washington, DC, the most significant contribution from advanced technology came in the use of dynamic message signs/variable message signs and highway advisory radio to provide information to travelers on the closing of roadways into Baltimore on the day of the event. Maryland’s Coordinated Highways Action Response Team system is state-of-the-art, and the State was able to post messages that covered the portions of the Interstate system impacted by the incident.”
Effects of Catastrophic Events on Transportation System Management and Operations: Cross-Cutting Study
Use Alternative Phone Technology for Communications – “Interviewees stated that NEXTEL Direct Connect (digital two-way radio) was the most effective communications system available at the site. Cellular telephones were not as reliable, in particular on the day of the event, and experienced circuit overload. Many of the State personnel involved in the response had been provided with NEXTEL equipment by their agencies.”
Effects of Catastrophic Events on Transportation System Management and Operations – Howard Street Tunnel Fire, Baltimore City
Use Other Means to Communicate, Such as Cable Television, the Internet, or Teletext – “Since the 1994 Northridge earthquake, the traffic management center has updated the means by which they relay traffic information. Cable television is now being used; real-time traffic information is available on the Internet; and Teletext, a scrolling sign placed at key points in the freeway system, updates commuters to potential back-ups.”
Effects of Catastrophic Events on Transportation System Management and Operations: Cross-Cutting Study

February 7, 2006
Publication #FHWA–HOP-08-015