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Best Practices for Road Weather Management Version 2.0

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Title:

Automated Gate Operational Test

Abstract:

Due to frequent high wind, low temperature, and blizzards, the Minnesota DOT has installed gates along I-90 and I-94 to guide traffic off the interstate and prohibit access during life threatening situations. the DOT conducted a study that assessed the costs and benefits of gate operations. The study included potential reduction in delays and the number of accidents. A severe snowstorm that struck southwestern Minnesota in November 1998 provided a good case study to compare costs for clearing sections of highways with and without gates. Generally, it costs the DOT 15% less to clear and reopen highways controlled by existing manual gates. An intelligent transportation systems (ITS) solution to reduce safety risks for law enforcement and snow maintenance teams is presently being tested by Mn/DOT. Mn/DOT, through a partnership with ThomTech Design team, developed a freeway management system at the I-90 and US 71 interchange at Jackson, Minnesota. Mn/DOT installed an automated system using ITS technologies. The system is being managed from Mn/DOT's Windom office. The pilot project started during the summer of 2001. The research report, work plan, hardware installation, software development, and acceptance test have been completed. The system is being tested by Mn/DOT District 7 Windom office. The I-90 gate operations involves the coordination of the following major subsystems: (1) the Traffic Management Subsystem consists of automated gate closure devices that are designed to operate in all climates and are FHWA approved for crash worthiness, safety, and operability. The existing gate arms are used with conjunction in an automatic electronic actuator to raise and lower the gates using a wireless signaling device; (2) the Control and Monitoring Subsystem is a website with a user name and a password that controls the gate operations; (3) the Detection and Sensor Subsystem provides a reliable means of visual, audio, and graphic interfaces to detect violations; and (4) the Communication Subsystem is wireless communication with internet access and back up landline. Lessons learned from the I-90 gate operational test will be used as a management toolbox for future ITS initiatives that will allow Mn/DOT to better manage the roadway facilities.

Source(s):

10th AASHTO?TRB Maintenance Management Conference, Transportation Research Board, Transportation Research Circular No. E-C052

https://trid.trb.org/view.aspx?id=661876

Date: 2003

Author:

Amiri

Keywords:


Traffic control
Traffic management
Gates
Benefits
Costs
Crashes
Mobility
Intelligent Transportation System (ITS)
Communications
Safety

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