FHWA/UTC Workshop on Urban/Suburban Mobility and Congestion Mitigation Research
Notes from Breakout Discussion Sessions
June 7, 2006
Program area: Traffic Analysis Tools
Transportation decision support system
Incorporate an expert system into the back-end of simulation models so that the output performance measures can be used to test and find optimal transportation strategy and design solutions. (Ed Lieberman's report to FHWA on simulation artificial intelligence may be useful here.)
As an alternative to a software-based expert system, develop a process-driven expert system that gives practitioners a practical decision support tool (such as a series of flow charts) to narrow down the possible list of transportation solutions to a manageable amount, which can then be analyzed using simulation models.
Automated simulation calibration tool
Develop an automated optimization tool into simulation models that automatically (using algorithms or heuristics) calibrates a simulation model to local conditions.
Site impact study automation
Develop automated tools that allow practitioners to use simulation models to complete site impact studies (i.e., determining the traffic impacts of a new land use development). These tools would require interfaces between various traffic analysis tool types (e.g., signal optimization software, planning models, sketch planning models) and data source files (e.g., GIS files, TIGER files).
Interfaces between different traffic analysis tool types
Develop interfaces between macroscopic (planning models), mesoscopic (dynamic traffic assignment models), and microscopic simulation models so that practitioners can easily take the results from one tool type and proceed to a more/less detailed analysis with a different tool type. This would be very helpful for the Integrated Corridor Management initiative.
Program area: Integrated Corridor Management (ICM) Initiative; Arterial Management
Better use of available arterial data-prediction, strategy support, archived
Higher resolution data for advanced metro areas
Idaho, smaller area needs
Signal control algorithms updated for current operations e.g., side street, real time
Coordination among UTCs of similar topic areas (FHWA) on research projects
Dynamic system: metering, routing, control strategies
Arterial priorities NTOC report card
DOT/FHWA representation on UTC individual focus areas (Division RC/staff)
Universities/UTCs partner for longer-term projects (3-5 yrs) (5-10 yrs)
Survey to UTCs on focus area expertise
UTC coordinate web site with project information, status, results
Coordination among UTCs with similar focus (regional)
Program area: Weather (Road Weather Management Program)
When to put up sign about weather and what you tell the driver
Should we have one universal sign about weather?
Vehicle communication about weather etc.
What is the right message and how do you get the information to the public
What weather information is out there already
Program area: Tolling and Pricing / Performance Measures
Using cell phones to influence travel behavior
Dynamic pricing
Parking pricing - based on time of the day
Freight - looking at congestion pricing for major freight players
Future needs/research areas
Relationship with telecommunications and transportation
flexible work schedules, distance learning, using technology aiding with reverse comments
Telework a congestion management research
The need for standard definitions in the industry
Non-toll pricing strategies - car sharing, parking
Looking at CMAQ dollars
Tolling project in Houston
HOV - lanes; Quick Ride Program
Benefit - cost & estimates for mixed freeway
Toll lanes corridor
Curriculum
Linking transportation with other fields (i.e. communication, business, etc.)
Going beyond standard education in transportation
Program area: Traveler Information Systems
511 information provided
Where is the problem? (exit 123)
How timely/reliable is information provided?
What can traveler do about it?
Research topics:
What guidance should 511 provide?
What do drivers want? Have we asked?
Traveler information on arterials: very limited
Research topic: How to provide meaningful information to arterial drivers?
Research topic: How to develop routing recommendation? Can we provide dynamic data on route?
Delaware DOT
GPS/floating car study with university vehicles
Statewide coverage
Since 1998 weekend beach traffic has been monitored
Congestion/peak times
MN DOT/U of Minnesota:
Drivers responded to advisory speeds in work zones
Developed FHWA TT database for last 10 years.
Develop database for driver planning purpose
How can we predict driver compliance?
Research Topic: Decision support tools to help determine what information to provide
How can we get the information we need?
TT prediction $400k for research evaluated air sage.
C. McGhee - study of Virginia DOT detectors.
Reliance on loops for data -> high maintenance
Quality control processes needed
Ideas:
UTC clearinghouse to share research results and ongoing projects
Technical conference of UTC partners
Maybe system, like ITS deployment system
UTC's need own theme
Program area: Traffic Incident Management (TIM)
2nd Incident problem, link to original incident
Emergency Responders paying more attention using lighting - good traffic control with minimum of flashing/strobing lights
Rubbernecking
Relate cost to benefit of TIM
What are the costs you are measuring?
What are the hidden costs: ambulance rerouting to avoid congestion
How to get information to the public
What are the network inputs on the transportation system due to incidents
Clearance time
Hazmat
Med examiner (no one dies on the highway)
Link police performance evaluation to queue length
What do we need help with?
What can we do to show or increase the importance of Traffic Management to the Police/Fire personnel
How can we document the benefits of ITS equipment (e.g., cameras in police cars capable of transmitting data)
Documenting the barriers to data sharing
Dave's vision: State DOT will join with Police and Emergency Responders for TIM 24/7 365 days a year on the scene
Of 110 Courtesy Patrols, only 10% operate 24/7
Calling them "Courtesy Patrols" is a bad idea - change name; otherwise it is an easy target come budget cut time.
Work Zone Mobility and Safety
Work Zone (WZ) design research for increased worker safety and improved mobility (wider detour to increase worker/traffic separation) (better transitions)
Better understand impacts of & reaction to full closures (need performance data)
Performance based maintenance of traffic in contract language
Quality standards for devices (particularly in use in the field)
Best practices - what tools and how to use them, (capacity estimation)
"Best buy" analysis (time + cost)
Public information and outreach for detours and full closures - best practices
Integration within offices of DOT
internal coordination
Inter-jurisdictional coordination
What data is available and how can we use it?
Data sharing
Innovative data collection techniques
Data:
What do we collect?
How do we collect?
What do we do with it?
How do we share it?
Program area: Work Zone Mobility and Safety - other topics
Ways to facilitate/collaborate on training, education and curriculum development
