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Arterial Data Collection Technology

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Travel Time on Arterials and Rural Highways: State-of-the-Practice Synthesis on Arterial Data Collection Technology

April 2013

United States Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration

FHWA-HOP-13-028

Notice

This document is disseminated under the sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Transportation in the interest of information exchange. The U.S. Government assumes no liability for use of the information contained in this document. This report does not constitute a standard, specification, or regulation.

The United States Government does not endorse products or manufacturers. Trademarks or manufacturers' names appear herein only because they are considered essential to the objective of this document.

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Table of Contents

[ Technical Report Documentation Page ]   [ Acknowledgements ]   [ List of Acronyms ]

Executive Summary

1. Introduction

1.1 Background and Objectives
1.2 Methodology
1.3 Organization of Synthesis Report

2. Data Source Summaries

2.1 Bluetooth Detection
2.2 Toll Tag Reader
2.3 In-Pavement Magnetic Detectors
2.4 Automatic License Plate Readers (ALPR)
2.5 Machine Vision
2.6 Connected Vehicle
2.7 Radar, Microwave, LIDAR (RML)
2.8 Inductive Loops
2.9 Crowdsourcing
2.10 Cell Phone Signal Monitoring

3. Implementations of Arterial Travel Time Data Collection

3.1 Case Study: Chandler, AZ
3.1.1 Background and Planning
3.1.2 Implementation and Management
3.1.3 Lessons Learned
3.2 Case Study: St. Louis, MO
3.2.1 Background and Planning
3.2.2 Implementation and Management
3.2.3 Lessons Learned
3.3 I-95 Corridor Coalition
3.4 Utah County, UT, I-15
3.5 Houston, TX, Multiple Routes
3.6 Flagstaff, AZ, US-180
3.7 Atlanta Area, GA
3.8 Essex County, United Kingdom
4. Best Practices for Arterial Travel Time Data Collection
4.1 Needs Assessment, Planning, and Specifications Development
4.2 Selecting and Acquiring Data Collection Technology
4.3 Implementation, Management, and Evaluation

5. Conclusion

References

List of Figures

Figure 1. ATT Signs in Chandler, Arizona

Figure 2. TrafficCast's BlueTOAD Pole-mounted, Solar-powered Bluetooth Detector and Cabinet Interior

Figure 3. Toll Tag Reader (AVI) in Houston, TX

Figure 4. Sensys Sensor

Figure 5. Typical Sensys Implementation Showing Sensor Array, Repeater, and Access Point

Figure 6. ALPR Illumination (Foreground) and Camera (Background) Used in a Work zone On Arizona State Route 68

Figure 7. Bluetooth Detector on Light Pole that Taps into a Pedestrian Signal Head Using Power over Ethernet

Figure 8. ATT Signs in Chandler, AZ

Figure 9. Locations of DMS and Advised Routes

Figure 10. Arterial-based Display on Approach to I-55

Figure 11. Arterial-based Display on Route 94

Figure 12. Freeway and Arterial Coverage (as Built) in Philadelphia, PA

Figure 13. Both Phases of a Trailblazer Sign

Figure 14. Houston TranStar Arterial Traffic Map (detail)

Figure 15. ATT Detection Coverage (Shown as Color-coded Arterials) in Cobb County, Georgia: US-41/Cobb Pkwy, Chastain Road, Bells Ferry Road, and Barrett Pkwy

Figure 16. ATT Coverage (Shown as Green-colored Arterials) in Essex County, UK

List of Tables

Table 1. Candidate ATT Technologies

Table 2. Table of Search Terms and Categories

Table 3. Candidate ATT Technologies

Table 4. Vehicle Probe Project Current Contracted Coverage


U.S. Department of Transportation
Federal Highway Administration
Office of Operations
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Washington, DC 20590

Toll-Free "Help Line" 866-367-7487
www.ops.fhwa.dot.gov

April 2013

FHWA-HOP-13-028