NTOC Talks, a Newsletter of the National Transportation Operations Coalition
Categories > Breaking News :: August 25, 2010 (NTOC)
Maybe a thriving metropolis can't build its way out of traffic congestion, but there's growing evidence that it can manage its way out. And the Twin Cities are becoming a national model for how to do it. In a coordinated multi-agency effort stretching from park-and-ride lots in the distant suburbs to reconfigured bus routes in downtown Minneapolis with lots of innovation in between, Minnesotans are showing there's more than one way to speed up glacial rush-hour commutes. To read the complete article, click on the link above.
Categories > Opportunity :: August 25, 2010 (NTOC)
The Climate Policy and West Coast Transportation conference, taking place September 16, 2010 to September 17, 2010 at Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA brings together leading federal and state policy makers and regulators, utilities, automakers, alternative fuel advocates, environmental organizations and key legislators to address climate policies and regulations regarding transportation and the implementation of measures on the West Coast to meet those goals and regulations.
A specific focus of this two-day event is to discuss programs supporting the implementation of the I-5 Green Highway as envisioned by the west coast Governors and the Premier of British Columbia in their Pacific Coast Collaborative and to showcase strategies being deployed not only for clean fuels and other strategies for light and heavy-duty ground transportation but also marine/port transport. For complete information and to register, click on the link above.
Categories > Breaking News :: August 25, 2010 (ITS America)
Seattle, WA area commuters are benefiting from new technology on I-5 to help reduce congestion and crashes, as the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) last week unveiled new high-tech message signs that deliver real-time traffic information to drivers and adjust speeds based on traffic conditions. The Smarter Highways initiative was recognized by the Intelligent Transportation Society of America (ITS America) with a Smart Solution Spotlight award for using innovative technology – known as Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) – to create a safer, cleaner, more efficient and sustainable transportation system.
Similar initiatives in Europe have resulted in 30 percent fewer injury collisions, and this project is one of the first deployments in the United States. Using real-time traffic speed and volume data gathered from pavement sensors, WSDOT has deployed 97 electronic overhead signs stationed every half-mile along I-5. Depending on traffic conditions, drivers will see variable speed limits, lane status alerts, and real-time information about traffic incidents, backups and alternate routes. The system automatically adjusts speed limits based on real-world traffic conditions, with staff at WSDOT’s traffic management center continuously monitoring traffic conditions and making necessary adjustments, including closing lanes as needed to help emergency personnel respond quickly to crashes and other incidents. In addition, the signs provide advance notice of lane mergers and closures, allowing drivers to change lanes ahead of time or exit the highway to avoid traffic jams.
The new technology is a key element of WSDOT’s congestion relief program, Moving Washington, and will help manage traffic during major construction on the Alaskan Way Viaduct, one of the most heavily traveled north-south routes for freight and commuters through the Seattle area.
Categories > New Resource :: August 25, 2010 (FHWA)
This Guidebook provides an overview of the mission and functions of Transportation Management Centers, Emergency Operations Centers, and Fusion Centers. The Guidebook is focused on the types of information these centers produce and manage and how the sharing of such information among the centers can be beneficial to both the day-to-day and emergency operations of all the centers. There are some challenges to the ability to share information and these challenges and some options for addressing them are addressed in the Guidebook. The Guidebook also provides some lessons learned and best practices identified from a literature search and interviews/site visits with center operators. (Publication Number: FHWA-HOP-09-003)
Categories > New Resource :: August 25, 2010 (FHWA)
This publication is a reference manual designed to provide "how to" information to assist transportation professionals in taking actions to integrate these activities. It identifies and describes opportunities at various levels of decisionmaking - statewide, regional, corridor, and project - and the benefits of these approaches. It also highlights overarching themes such as the important role of multidisciplinary teams; data collection, sharing, and analysis; and broad use of performance measures within each of these levels. Publication Number: FHWA-HOP-10-028, May 2010.
Categories > Opportunity :: August 25, 2010 (NTIMC)
To further implement the successful National Unified Goal for Traffic Incident Management (NUG) goals and practices, the I-95 Corridor Coalition, FHWA, and the National Traffic Incident Management Coalition (NTIMC) will host a national NUG Summit. The agenda will include such topics as NTIMC and NUG Progress, Incident Management Best Practices, TIM Self Assessment, TIM Training, Towing and TIM, and interdisciplinary incident management issues and best practices for the resolution of those issues.
The NUG Summit will convene on Tuesday, September 21, 2010 at 12:00 p.m. at The Conference Center at the Maritime Institute in Linthicum Heights, MD (near BWI/Baltimore Airport), and will adjourn at 12:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 22, 2010.
You can also join the NUG Summit virtually via a Webinar on September 21 from Noon to 4:45 p.m. EST. There is no registration fee for the NUG Summit or fee to participate through Internet access.
Click on the link above for information regarding agenda details, registration, and Maritime Institute Hotel Room block and other information. Register for the Webinar at http://152.122.41.186/NUG/register.asp.
Categories > Training :: August 25, 2010 (NTOC)
CITE’s 2010 Fall course schedule is now available through the link above. The schedule includes courses on Traffic Signal Timing and Road Weather Information Systems Equipment and Operations.
Categories > Breaking News :: August 25, 2010 (US DOT)
U.S. DOT will host a one-day public meeting on October 20, 2010 to provide a report on results from the Integrated Vehicle-Based Safety Systems (IVBSS) field operational test to members of the vehicle safety research community and other interested parties.
The IVBSS program is a five-year cooperative research agreement to combine several crash warning subsystems -- including forward collision, lane departure, lane change, and curve speed warning -- into a single, integrated concept to enhance the safety of both passenger vehicles and heavy trucks. Field tests using a fleet of light vehicles and heavy trucks were recently completed and the resulting reports are being finalized. The Key Findings report for the Heavy Truck field test will be available by the end of August. Click here for registration and additional information. The online registration deadline is October 15.
Categories > Breaking News :: August 25, 2010 (US DOT)
U.S. DOT has issued a Request for Information (RFI) to help refine the plans for one or more demonstrations focused on the use of IntelliDrive(SM) (1) data sources for performance measurement and performance-based management. The U.S. DOT seeks comments, responses and innovative ideas from the public sector, private sector, and academic communities concerning the demonstration program described in this RFI. (IntelliDrive is a service mark of the U.S. Department of Transportation.)
Categories > Opportunity :: August 25, 2010 (FHWA)
In December 2009, FHWA published the 2009 edition of the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD). This free Webinar, on August 24 from 1 to 2pm EST, will provide a brief overview of the major revisions to Parts 1 and 6 since the 2003 version of the Manual. The Webinar will be presented by Ken Wood of FHWA and is being done in collaboration with the American Traffic Safety Services Association. Registration is required.
Categories > Opportunity :: August 11, 2010 (NTIMC)
To further implement the successful National Unified Goal for Traffic Incident Management (NUG) goals and practices, the I-95 Corridor Coalition, FHWA, and the National Traffic Incident Management Coalition (NTIMC) will host a national NUG Summit. The agenda will include such topics as NTIMC and NUG Progress, Incident Management Best Practices, TIM Self Assessment, TIM Training, Towing and TIM, and interdisciplinary incident management issues and best practices for the resolution of those issues. The three major objectives of the NUG are Responder Safety, Safe, Quick Clearance and Prompt, Reliable Interoperable Communications.
The NUG Summit will convene on Tuesday, September 21, 2010 at 12:00 p.m. at The Conference Center at the Maritime Institute in Linthicum Heights, MD (near BWI/Baltimore Airport), and will adjourn at 12:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 22, 2010. There will also be opportunity to join the September 21 segment of the NUG Summit virtually via the Internet. There will be no registration fee for the NUG Summit or fee to participate through Internet access.
Federal, State, Regional and Local Traffic Incident Responders should plan to attend to improve the way we manage traffic incidents and to increase safety and efficiency by working toward the implementation of the National Unified Goal’s three goals and 18 strategies. Click on the link above for information regarding agenda details, registration, and Maritime Institute Hotel Room block and other information.
Categories > Now Available :: August 11, 2010 (FHWA)
The Office of Operations has updated and posted its latest Current Activities Report. This report lists by program area major projects and initiatives underway, their status, and the FHWA manager responsible for the item. Updated quarterly, this report provides a comprehensive look at the work that the Office of Operations is pursuing, and who to contact for more information.
Categories > Opportunity :: August 11, 2010 (TRB)
TRB will conduct a web briefing or “webinar” on Tuesday, August 17, 2010 from 2:00 p.m.–3:30 p.m. EDT that will explore a project developed by TRB's second Strategic Highway Research Program (SHRP 2) on research and practical methods that can be used in predicting highway travel time. Participants must register at least 24 hours prior to the start of the webinar, space is limited, and there is a fee for non-TRB Sponsor employees. For more information, click on the link above.
Categories > Breaking News :: August 11, 2010 (FHWA)
Seven states will receive more than $9.7 million as part of a national program to encourage innovative strategies to relieve congestion. California, Florida, North Carolina, Minnesota, Texas, Virginia and Washington received grants for 10 projects under the Federal Highway Administration's Value Pricing Pilot Program (VPPP). "Value pricing" refers to varying price levels by time of day or traffic volume in order to manage congestion. It can significantly improve traffic flow by encouraging people to choose to drive at different times of the day, thereby spreading out demand and reducing congestion at peak hours. To read more, click on the link above.
Categories > Now Available :: August 11, 2010 (FHWA)
This report updates VPPP activities described previously in the U.S. Department of Transportation's "Report to Congress on the Value Pricing Pilot Program through April 2006." It is the second Program report to Congress subsequent to passage of SAFETEA-LU, following a series of reports submitted to Congress under prior pricing legislation. This report presents a description of the concept of congestion pricing and the latest information available on the extent and nature of the VPPP. The report highlights some important lessons that have been learned since the inception of the Federal pricing program in 1991 about the effects of congestion pricing and the process of implementing congestion pricing projects. The report also discusses issues that have been raised with regard to broad congestion pricing approaches, and potential benefits. The final section of the report looks at potential future directions.
Categories > Breaking News :: August 11, 2010 (NTOC)
The morning rush-hour traffic on Interstate 35W is crawling. The highway, which connects downtown Minneapolis and its northern and southern suburbs, is the busiest road in the state. When traffic snarls here, backups spread across the region. A year ago, Peggy Birler, 45, would have been right in the thick of it, spending up to an hour driving alone to work. Today, Birler has a much shorter commute: She drives less than a mile to a Park & Ride lot, boards a bus for a 10-minute trip downtown, zipping along in a bus-only lane, then walks 1½ blocks to her office.
Getting people such as Birler to choose public transit, carpools, biking, telecommuting or other alternatives to driving to work solo is a major part of a campaign to relieve congestion on I-35W and other roads here. The state is spending $500 million, including $133 million in federal money granted to cities running innovative projects, on a broad effort to ease logjams on I-35W.
Officials here say it's working. Commuter use of three Park & Ride lots serving the highway has increased by 16%, 19% and 25%; trips on I-35W are an average 10-15 minutes faster, and the agency has achieved free-flowing traffic in express lanes on the highway 98% of the time. The I-35W project is part of a regional approach that emphasizes creative management of the existing transportation system, rather than expanding it, and seeks to make alternative commuting options widely available. The goal: Provide residents with a reliable, on-time commuting option every day. To read the complete article, click on the link above.
Categories > Breaking News :: August 11, 2010 (US DOT)
The U.S. Department of Transportation signed an agreement with the Colorado Department of Transportation for $10 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds to extend HOV and bus lanes on U.S. 36 between Denver and Boulder, Colo., U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood announced today.
"Grants like this will help make Denver more livable by solving congestion problems which have been years in the making," said Secretary Ray LaHood. "The projects chosen will create jobs, strengthen the economy and, ultimately, improve quality of life in communities they serve."
The grant is part of the Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery, or TIGER, grant program included in ARRA to promote innovative, multi-modal and multi-jurisdictional transportation projects that provide significant economic and environmental benefits to an entire metropolitan area, region or the nation.
"These funds will help begin the work needed to ease congestion in and around Denver," said Federal Highway Administrator Victor Mendez, "and give drivers more time to do what they enjoy."
U.S. 36, a 38-mile corridor known as the "Denver-Boulder Turnpike," serves an estimated 100,000 vehicles each day and is one of the Denver metro area's most congested routes. The project includes expanded bus service, a commuter bikeway and intelligent transportation systems for electronic tolling. The USDOT announced the selection of $1.5 billion worth of TIGER grants for 51 projects as part of the one-year anniversary of ARRA on February 17.
Categories > Breaking News :: August 02, 2010 (NTOC)
The inaugural three-week session of the Delhi Urban Workshop, starting on January 3, 2011, will bring together practitioners in the urban professions—architects,
urban planners, designers, administrators, engineers—as well as students, educators
and scholars and others sharing their interests. The workshop will explore current
urban challenges and issues facing this ancient and legendary city that later evolved into Mughal and imperial capitals, and since Indian independence, has become the dynamic center of an increasingly influential nation. The themes to be examined will include planning and development, transportation and infrastructure, social and economic change and migration and metropolitan growth. Workshop activities will consist of lectures and discussions, field trips to key sites and locations, visits to organizations and guided small group projects in various parts of Delhi. Weekend trips will be made to Chandigarh and
Agra/Fatephur Sikri/Jaipur. The Workshop will be led by senior faculty from
leading universities in Delhi as well as experienced professionals, with the
participation of key staff from public and private agencies.
Complete information on the Delhi Urban Workshop is available at: www.delhiurbanworkshops.org.
Send email inquiries to: info@delhiurbanworkshops.org.
Categories > Breaking News :: July 28, 2010 (NTOC)
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) has been changing the face of our nation—physically in terms of improvements to our infrastructure and economically by saving or creating tens of thousands of jobs. The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has been instrumental in ARRA’s success by working with our state partners to beat Congress’s deadline to obligate 100 percent of our Recovery Act funds by March 1, 2010.
The FHWA Office of Operations recently performed an analysis on ARRA projects obligated through February 19, 2010 to determine the approximate ARRA investment level in ITS and transportation system management and operations projects. The results showed that nearly $600 million in ARRA funds were invested in 509 operations and ITS projects, with approximately half funding ITS projects and the other half funding traditional operational improvements across 41 States, plus Washington, DC.
The categories used to define operations and ITS projects were:
• Traffic Signalization projects (258 projects, $204 M)
• Intersection geometric improvements (75 projects, $127 M)
• Signs (36 projects, $40 M)
• Pavement markings (60 projects, $30 M)
• ITS field devices (80 projects, $192 M)
Both the number of projects and total investment level in each category should be regarded as close approximations of actual investment levels. The top five States to use funding on operations and ITS projects were Georgia, Pennsylvania, California, Maryland, and Tennessee. It is likely that ITS and operations played a larger role in the ARRA projects overall, as there was no method for capturing ITS and operations investments as part of larger projects.
Categories > Breaking News :: July 28, 2010 (ATSSA)
A new report credits major federal funding increases for roadway safety engineering projects for the dramatic reduction in highway fatalities between 2006 and 2009. The study, Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) Obligations and Fatalities on U.S. Highways: Final Report, prepared for the American Traffic Safety Services Association (ATSSA) by Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC), examines engineering funding increases provided under the 2005-2009 federal-aid highway law.
With sharp safety project funding increases beginning in 2006, the report analyzes the extent to which the new HSIP program can be credited with the reduction in fatalities that started around the same time, following a 10-year period with little change. For years that figure fluctuated slightly, but remained around 42,000. By 2009, following annual reductions since 2006, the number of deaths had fallen to 33,963.
As fatalities decline, a variety of non-engineering factors have been commonly hypothesized as responsible, such as the temporary reduction in driving that occurred with the economic downturn and fuel price spikes of 2008. SAIC found that none of the commonly cited reasons sufficiently explains the sharp decrease in deaths seen since the HSIP program was created. Rather, the report found that the HSIP program spending changes correlated with the sharp decrease in traffic fatalities. Further, the report estimates that the United States realizes an annual savings of $42.7 million for every $1 million increase of HSIP funds spent.
“This report makes it crystal clear that modern engineering enhancements are making our drivers and passengers much safer and these investments are going to continue to save tens of thousands of families from heartbreak,” said Greg Cohen, Executive Director of the Roadway Safety Foundation. “It is critical that we prioritize systemic safety improvements on our nation’s roads and bridges in the years ahead to continue this trend. We can’t forget that road crashes are the #1 killer of children and young adults aged 3 34.” The full report is available online at http://atssa.com/cs/roadway-safety-policy.
Categories > New Resource :: July 28, 2010 (FHWA)
The 2010 version of the Traffic Incident Management Handbook (TIM) includes the latest advances in TIM programs and practices across the country, and offers practitioners insights into the latest innovations in TIM tools and technologies. The 2010 TIM Handbook also features a parallel Web-based version that can be conveniently bookmarked, browsed, or keyword-searched for quick reference. This version supersedes the Freeway Incident Management Handbook published by FHWA in 1991 and the Traffic Incident Management Handbook published in 2000. (Publication Number: FHWA-HOP-10-013)
Categories > Opportunity :: July 28, 2010 (NTIMC)
To further implement the successful National Unified Goal for Traffic Incident Management (NUG) goals and practices, the I-95 Corridor Coalition, FHWA, and the National Traffic Incident Management Coalition (NTIMC) will host a national NUG Summit. The agenda will include such topics as NTIMC and NUG Progress, Incident Management Best Practices, TIM Self Assessment, TIM Training, Towing and TIM, and interdisciplinary incident management issues and best practices for the resolution of those issues. The three major objectives of the NUG are Responder Safety, Safe, Quick Clearance and Prompt, Reliable Interoperable Communications.
The NUG Summit will convene on Tuesday, September 21, 2010 at 12:00 p.m. at The Conference Center at the Maritime Institute in Linthicum Heights, MD (near BWI/Baltimore Airport), and will adjourn at 12:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 22, 2010. There will also be opportunity to join the September 21 segment of the NUG Summit virtually via the Internet. There will be no registration fee for the NUG Summit or fee to participate through Internet access.
Federal, State, Regional and Local Traffic Incident Responders should plan to attend to improve the way we manage traffic incidents and to increase safety and efficiency by working toward the implementation of the National Unified Goal’s three goals and 18 strategies. Information will soon be available regarding agenda details, registration information, and Maritime Institute Hotel Room block and other information.
Categories > Opportunity :: July 28, 2010 (TRB)
This year’s ITS Committee mid-year workshop will focus on IntelliDrive(SM) and is planned for September 21-22 at the Beckman Center in Irvine, California. Visit the link above to register and reserve your hotel room. The deadline for reduced hotel rates is August 13. The goal of the mid-year workshop is to consider the potential impact of IntelliDrive, and the data it will generate, on the various components of the transportation enterprise, including agency organization, finances, and staffing, in addition to planning, operations, safety, and maintenance. The workshop will bring together public and private sector transportation thought leaders and practitioners to develop research statements that explore how IntelliDrive will affect the work of infrastructure owners and operators.
In addition to the ITS Committee workshop, the ITS Joint Program Office will convene a one-day workshop on Monday September 20, (preceding the TRB meeting) to explore the impact of emerging trends and innovations, shifting priorities and changing requirements on the evaluation of ITS. The release in early 2010 of the U.S. DOT ITS Strategic Research Plan lays out new goals and initiatives in the ITS Program that impact national and local ITS projects. The ITS Evaluation Program managers are keenly interested in the input from the transportation community on advancing the practice and increasing the value of ITS evaluation, and identifying the evaluation needs of the transportation community. The workshop will give participants the opportunity to provide feedback on the Evaluation Program, share innovative evaluation practices, and identify evaluation needs.This intense and engaging two-part event promises workshop participants a great opportunity to learn and to contribute to the continuing evolution of the ITS program.
Categories > New Resource :: July 28, 2010 (ITS America)
Prepared by ITS America's Technical Forum on Sustainability, the report “ITS Technology and Sustainable Transportation” looks at the role ITS can play in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The paper states, “We believe that we have technology and solutions that can ease traffic flow and reduce GHG emissions, but to date we have neither articulated that message nor delivered it effectively. It is unfortunate but we are largely seen as a part of the climate change problem; not part of the climate change solution. However, ITS America believes that transportation technology can have a significant impact on a GHG reduction strategy.” To read the complete report, click on the link above.
Categories > Now Available :: July 28, 2010 (TRB)
A featured article in the May-June 2010 TR News provides an overview of the articles in this issue, which collectively explore the body of evidence, the mix of transportation strategies, potential regulatory approaches, modal initiatives, and opportunities for innovation that encompass transportation's role in addressing climate change. To read the article, click on the link above.
Categories > Now Available :: July 28, 2010 (ITS America)
Informing an Effective Response to Climate Change is the newest panel report from the America's Climate Choices suite of studies. The report demonstrates that demand for information to support climate-related decisions has grown as people, organizations, and governments have moved ahead with plans and actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and to adapt to the impacts of climate change. Today, however, the nation lacks comprehensive, robust, and credible information systems to inform climate choices and evaluate their effectiveness. This report examines information needs and calls for the federal government to build upon its existing efforts and those of state and local government, the private sector and citizens by establishing clear federal leadership, responsibility, and coordination for climate related decisions, climate risk management, information systems, and services. To access the report, click on the link above.
Categories > Opportunity :: July 28, 2010 (US DOT)
U.S. DOT will host a one-day public meeting on October 20, 2010 in Ypsilanti, MI, to provide a report on results from the Integrated Vehicle-Based Safety Systems (IVBSS) field operational test to members of the vehicle safety research community and other interested parties.
The IVBSS program is a five-year cooperative research agreement to combine several crash warning subsystems—including forward collision, lane departure, lane change, and curve speed warning—into a single, integrated concept to enhance the safety of both passenger vehicles and heavy trucks. Field tests using a fleet of light vehicles and heavy trucks were recently completed and the resulting reports are being finalized. The key findings report for the Heavy Truck field test will be available by the end of August.
Click on the link above for registration and additional information. The online registration deadline is October 15.
Categories > Opportunity :: July 28, 2010 (NTOC)
The University of Washington Professional & Continuing Education is offering two online Sustainable Transportation Certificates: the Certificate in Sustainable Transportation: Planning and Livable Communities and the Certificate in Sustainable Transportation: Environmental Issues and Impacts. The classes offered for these certificates will help you to: Understand the important issues involved in sustainable transportation planning. Review policies and programs that encourage mixed use and higher density levels designed to promote transportation modes other than the single occupancy vehicle. Study the impact that transportation options have on the quality of service, the environment and sustainability. Explore the movement of goods, various freight options and the strategies for making them more sustainable. Examine the relationship between transportation and the environment, including energy, climate change, air pollution and water quality. Develop tools, such as life cycle assessment, that will help you understand the full range of environmental impacts associated with transportation decisions. Learn to conduct environmental evaluations with a variety of analytical tools, such as travel demand forecasting and air and water quality modeling.
For complete information, including registration, visit www.pce.uw.edu or call 888-469-6499.
Categories > Opportunity :: July 28, 2010 (TRB)
The TRB Technical Activities Division’s Planning and Environment Group is holding its fourth annual competition to find top methods for communicating transportation concepts to non-professional audiences. Entries should focus on the 2011 Annual Meeting spotlight theme of transportation, livability, and economic development in a changing world. There is no restriction on the form of communication—graphics, illustrations, photos, software, demonstrations, interactive exercises or games—used to convey the message. Entries may be examples of successful communications efforts or techniques that can be used to communicate transportation concepts to non-transportation professional audiences. The entries will be evaluated by a panel of judges representing technical as well as communication disciplines. The winner will be announced at the 2011 TRB 90th Annual Meeting, January 23-27, 2011, in Washington, D.C. The top ten entries will be showcased in a poster session at the TRB Annual Meeting and featured in an article in TRB’s TR News.
Categories > Opportunity :: July 28, 2010 (TRB)
TRB’s second Strategic Highway Research Program (SHRP 2) has issued a request for proposals to determine how data and information on the impacts of differing causes of nonrecurrent highway congestion can be incorporated into the performance measure estimation procedures in the Highway Capacity Manual. Proposals are due by September 27, 2010. For more information, click on the link above.
Categories > New Resource :: July 28, 2010 (NTOC)
The Center for Neighborhood Technology has released the beta version of a web-based tool designed to help individuals find what a typical household spends on transportation in their neighborhood. The tool also provides an estimate on carbon emissions associated with using a car from a particular location. To view the tool, click on the link above.
Categories > Breaking News :: July 28, 2010 (NTOC)
In North Dakota, with more than 8,500 miles of highways in the state and an additional 1,000 or so miles of interstate, planning road construction projects is a daunting task. But a high-tech van, the only one in the state Department of Transportation’s fleet, is making that task more manageable.
Meet the North Dakota DOT Multi-Purpose Data Collection Vehicle. It is a long name for a $600,000 van with five on-board computers that traverses the highways in North Dakota, all the while gathering information on the condition of roadways. Dirk Kienzle and Ben Red Horse are the DOT project engineers who drive the van about 2,400 miles per week, collecting information.The van is equipped with three lasers mounted on the front bumper, two high-resolution cameras on the top and two lasers on the back. To read the complete article, click on the link above.
Categories > Now Available :: July 14, 2010 (NTOC)
Have you missed a recent NTOC Talking Operations Web Cast? Visit the Web Cast Archives page through the link above to access recordings, podcasts, and transcripts from these free, informative Web casts. Materials from the June 24 Web cast on the template for submitting dynamic mobility applications using Intellidrive are now online. If you missed the July 7 Talking Operations Webinar, “How to Implement a Congestion Pricing Project,” the archive materials will also be available later today on the NTOC Web Site.
Categories > Breaking News :: July 14, 2010 (FHWA)
The U.S. Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has released a report that explores the results of a December 8, 2009, peer exchange on current climate change adaptation activities and strategic needs. The report summarizes participant presentations and the key issues that emerged during the event. The exchanged was convened with the support of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO). Click on the link above to read the report.
Categories > Opportunity :: July 14, 2010 (ITE)
Submit an abstract for the Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE) 2011 Technical Conference and Exhibit Moving Toward Zero… and/or the ITE 2011 Annual Meeting and Exhibit at www.cornetser.com/ite. The submission deadline is August 23, 2010. If your abstract is accepted for presentation at the Technical Conference, you will be notified by December 30, 2010. If your abstract is accepted for presentation at the Annual Meeting you will be notified by January 31, 2011. Click on the link above for the call for abstracts overview and list of possible topic areas.
Categories > Now Available :: July 14, 2010 (TRB)
The Transportation Research Board’s (TRB) National Cooperative Highway Research Program (NCHRP) and National Cooperative Freight Research Program (NCFRP) have jointly released NCHRP Report 649/NCFRP Report 3: Separation of Vehicles—CMV-Only Lanes. The report examines major issues and concepts that should be understood in developing new applications of commercial motor vehicle-only (CMV-only) lane as a potential method for both easing congestion and reducing the number of traffic accidents on highways.
Categories > Positions Available :: July 14, 2010 (TRB)
TRB's second Strategic Highway Research Program (SHRP 2) has an opening for a Senior Program Officer with knowledge in highway operations and/or traffic management and experience related to the implementation of innovative technologies or practices within transportation-related agencies or enterprises. Experience in research management is also desired. SHRP 2 is a congressionally authorized research program that addresses critically needed research in highway transportation including highway safety, infrastructure renewal, and congestion relief. This Senior Program Officer will be responsible for managing multiple and/or highly complex research and innovation programs and projects. They will develop program and project strategies, budgets, and resource requirements; and ensure that programs and projects meet their stated objectives. They will also act as a liaison between and coordinate with internal and external groups, organizations, and agencies. A listing of minimum requirements, full job duties, and application information for the opening is available on the National Academies’ Office of Human Resources Web page.
Categories > Opportunity :: July 14, 2010 (ITE)
If you haven't registered for the ITE Annual Meeting and Exhibit in Vancouver, BC, Canada, August 8-11, the deadline has been extended to this Friday, July 16. Sign up today to take advantage of the low rate! The Fairmont Hotel Vancouver has also extended their deadline for the discounted ITE Group Rate. Book today while rooms are still available. Information about the annual meeting is available through the link above.
Categories > Breaking News :: July 14, 2010 (NTOC)
Almost 11 years have passed since the West Virginia Turnpike installed its computerized toll system, and many parts of it have seen better days. In fact, while the system hasn’t actually crashed, much of the software has fizzled, forcing the West Virginia Parkways Authority to go online in search of hard-to-come-by replacements.All that could change in about a year or less. In the interim, the authority is moving to make the ride safer and turnpike crews more responsive when crises develop.
Authority members Thursday agreed to empower turnpike manager Greg Barr to initial the final phase of a complex, four-part contract with Transcore, as outlined by general counsel A. David Abrams, in the installation of a new toll system. Abrams told the board the contract is broken down into four parts — implementation, maintenance, software licensing and an escrow agreement. Once operational, he said, the new system will make it easier for the motoring public to use the E-ZPass system.
Categories > Breaking News :: July 14, 2010 (NTOC)
Traffic slows to a crawl. There must be an accident ahead, you figure — but nope, all of a sudden the bumper-to-bumper snarl untangles and it’s free sailing. You crane your neck looking for a reason for the tie-up. There wasn’t one.
Only, yes, there was. Researchers have decoded the math behind these maddening “phantom jams.” They can’t fix them, but they do know when the slowdowns might happen. On an overloaded road, when one car brakes, the one behind it will, too — slowing down a little more. And then the car behind that one does the same, and the next one, and the next. Pretty soon you’re going nowhere fast. Click on the link above for the equation (developed at the University of Alberta and MIT) that can tell you when to prepare for frustration.
Categories > Breaking News :: July 14, 2010 (NTOC)
Motorists in the San Joaquin Valley will soon have access to detailed traffic and transportation information through a Web site managed by a partnership of public agencies. The Council of Fresno County Governments, in cooperation with seven other Valley counties, plans to have the Web site fully operational by the end of August. For now, the framework of the Web site can be viewed at 511sjv.org Eventually, it will have much more information, officials said. "It's going to be a central clearing house for travel-related information," said Todd Sobrado, a planner with the council. The Web service is part of a traveler information system, also known as a 511 system, that the county governments have worked on for the last three years.
Categories > Opportunity :: July 14, 2010 (ITE)
This suite of six courses, taking place Tuesdays, August 31-October 5, 2010, from 12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. Eastern Time, will introduce the participants to the basics of access management. The modules will evaluate ways in which to develop policies and apply design principles directed toward establishing system classification standards that address longitudinal operational impacts designed to preserve the functional integrity of the transportation system while effectively managing access to and from land developments. The series includes: Access Management Principles and Practices, Safety Impacts of Access Management, Economic Impacts of Access Management, Applying Access Management Principles to Existing Roadways, Access Management at Intersections Part I and Access Management at Intersections Part II. While the courses may be taken separately, participants are encouraged to attend the courses in the scheduled order. Click on the link above for complete details and to register.
Categories > Opportunity :: July 14, 2010 (JPO)
The U.S. Department of Transportation, Research and Innovative Technology Administration, ITS Joint Program Office (ITS JPO) will hold a three-day workshop from July 20-22, 2010 at the Hilton Chicago Northbrook, Chicago, Illinois to present and discuss IntelliDrive(SM) safety technical and policy research roadmaps. The first day will provide a detailed discussion of the technical research activities in the major IntelliDrive safety program initiatives. Days 2 and 3 will focus on the policy issues as well as policy versus technical trade-offs with a focus on the V2V environment. The Tuesday session (IntelliDriveSM Safety Program Overview) will be broadcast live as a Webinar for those who are not able to attend in person. To register, visit http://www.itsa.org/itsa/files/Chicago%20Registration%206.16.10.doc.
The ITS JPO will also hold an ITS Professional Capacity Building (PCB) Workshop on July 21, 2010 in conjunction with the IntelliDrive Safety Workshop. The PCB Workshop is designed to gather input from stakeholders and users of the ITS PCB Program. For more information about the PCB Workshop, please see the information below.
Categories > Opportunity :: July 14, 2010 (JPO)
July 21, 2010
8:30 am – 12:00 pm
Hilton Chicago Northbrook, Chicago, Illinois
The ITS Joint Program Office (JPO) of the Research and Innovative Technology Administration (RITA) of the U.S. DOT is holding an ITS Professional Capacity Building (PCB) Workshop on July 21, 2010 in Chicago, IL in conjunction with the IntelliDriveSM Safety Workshop. This workshop is designed to gather input from stakeholders and users of the ITS PCB Program. Activities will include:
• Engaging the audience in a discussion of how the PCB program can assist in attaining the goals of the new ITS Strategic Research Plan (View the ITS Strategic Plan and related documentation - http://www.its.dot.gov/strat_plan/index.htm)
• Gathering stakeholder input on learning needs
• Discussing purpose and goals of the ITS PCB Program from 2011-2014
This workshop will be a mix of presentation and discussion with the goal of exploring the next set of program strategies that best meet existing and future needs.
This workshop is free of charge. To register, complete the form at http://hosting-source.bronto.com/458/public/Chicago.doc and e-mail it to bwhitty@itsa.org, or fax it to 202-484-3483. Mark the form, “Attending ITS Professional Capacity Building Workshop.” Please contact Mac Lister at (202) 366-0375 or mac.lister@dot.gov if you have any questions.
Categories > Opportunity :: June 30, 2010 (JPO)
This Webinar, taking place July 7, 2010, from 3:00-4:30 p.m. EDT, will examine two different models for deploying congestion pricing projects. Lisa Castaneda, P.E., of the Harris County (TX) Toll Road Authority will discuss the new I-10/Katy Freeway. The Katy Toll way/Managed Lanes is the first multi-lane electronic tollway in the Nation with full design standards, and it was developed through a public-private partnership. Additionally, Paul A. Lampley, P.E., of Florida DOT District Four, will discuss how Availability Payments were used to finance the upgrade of a 10.5-mile segment of I-595 between I-75/Sawgrass Expressway and I-95 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Similar in concept to pass-through tolls, availability payments are a means of compensating a private concessionaire for its responsibility to design, construct, operate, and/or maintain a tolled or non-tolled roadway for a set period of time.
For information about NTOC and other upcoming Webinars, please visit http://www.ntoctalks.com/.
Categories > Opportunity :: June 30, 2010 (JPO)
The U.S. Department of Transportation, Research and Innovative Technology Administration, ITS Joint Program Office (ITS JPO) will hold a three-day workshop from July 20-22, 2010 at the Hilton Chicago Northbrook, Chicago, Illinois to present and discuss IntelliDrive(SM) safety technical and policy research roadmaps. The first day will provide a detailed discussion of the technical research activities in the major IntelliDrive safety program initiatives. Days 2 and 3 will focus on the policy issues as well as policy versus technical trade-offs with a focus on the V2V environment. The Tuesday session (IntelliDriveSM Safety Program Overview) will be broadcast live as a Webinar for those who are not able to attend in person. To register, visit http://www.itsa.org/itsa/files/Chicago%20Registration%206.16.10.doc.
The ITS JPO will also hold an ITS Professional Capacity Building (PCB) Workshop on July 21, 2010 in conjunction with the IntelliDrive Safety Workshop. The PCB Workshop is designed to gather input from stakeholders and users of the ITS PCB Program. For more information about the PCB Workshop, please see the information below.
Categories > Opportunity :: June 30, 2010 (JPO)
July 21, 2010
8:30 am – 12:00 pm
Hilton Chicago Northbrook, Chicago, Illinois
The ITS Joint Program Office (JPO) of the Research and Innovative Technology Administration (RITA) of the U.S. DOT is holding an ITS Professional Capacity Building (PCB) Workshop on July 21, 2010 in Chicago, IL in conjunction with the IntelliDriveSM Safety Workshop. This workshop is designed to gather input from stakeholders and users of the ITS PCB Program. Activities will include:
• Engaging the audience in a discussion of how the PCB program can assist in attaining the goals of the new ITS Strategic Research Plan (View the ITS Strategic Plan and related documentation - http://www.its.dot.gov/strat_plan/index.htm)
• Gathering stakeholder input on learning needs
• Discussing purpose and goals of the ITS PCB Program from 2011-2014
This workshop will be a mix of presentation and discussion with the goal of exploring the next set of program strategies that best meet existing and future needs.
This workshop is free of charge. To register, complete the form at http://hosting-source.bronto.com/458/public/Chicago.doc and e-mail it to bwhitty@itsa.org, or fax it to 202-484-3483. Mark the form, “Attending ITS Professional Capacity Building Workshop.” Please contact Mac Lister at (202) 366-0375 or mac.lister@dot.gov if you have any questions.
Categories > Positions Available :: June 30, 2010 (FHWA)
This position is located in the Federal Highway Administration Resource Center and is established to serve as the technical authority in the operations analysis of Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS), Freight and Transportation Management Strategies. The primary function of this position is to advance the application of analytical methods to ensure efficient operational performance of the transportation system. This includes the identification and application of techniques and tools to analyze systems operations and traffic flow. The areas of emphasis will draw upon the skill sets associated with traffic forecasting, dynamic traffic assignment, highway capacity and quality of flow, simulation and other complementary traffic analysis techniques. This position is responsible for supporting national policy formulation, national problem solving, and developing, promoting, and demonstrating state-of-the-art technology within the fields of transportation management. To see the full announcement and to apply, click on the link above.
Categories > Opportunity :: June 30, 2010 (FHWA)
The FY 2010 Appropriations Act appropriated funds for National Infrastructure Investments (TIGER II Discretionary Grants). Funds for the TIGER II Discretionary Grant program are to be awarded on a competitive basis for projects that will have a significant impact on the Nation, a metropolitan area or a region. TIGER II also allows U.S. DOT to make Planning Grants for activities related to the planning, preparation or design of eligible projects, including transportation corridors or regional transportation systems. Join Beth Osborne, US Department of Transportation Deputy Assistant Secretary for Transportation Policy, along with representatives of the Federal Highway Administration, Federal Transit Administration, Federal Railroad Administration and Maritime Administration as they discuss the program, selection criteria, evaluations, and application process for TIGER II Planning Grants. If U.S. DOT and HUD move forward with a joint solicitation, a representative from the U.S. Department of Housing and Community Development will join this presentation.
Categories > Now Available :: June 30, 2010 (NTOC)
A new blog is now available called MobileSynergetics.com. It was created to further the understanding of technologies such as ITS and Cooperative Mobility, and of their potentially beneficial impact on our global transportation ecosystem and worldwide environment. We will accomplish this by providing timely news, analysis, and information on a broad range of relevant topics, including:
• On-board, roadside, and centralized control and computing hardware and software
• Wireless technologies for short, medium, and long range vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) and vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) communications
• Industry standards and standards bodies
• Local, regional, and international policies, programs, and initiatives
• New products, technologies, and services offered by ITS stakeholders
• Market and industry trend data
To visit the blog, click on the link above.
