Autumn 1995· Vol. 59· No. 2

JPO Acts to Preserve Part of Radio Spectrum

ITS JPO has implemented an aggressive strategy to ensure the availability of a sufficient radio spectrum for ITS user services. The Office submitted a response to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) on the use of frequencies above 40 GHz for Vehicle Collision-Avoidance Systems. A brief white paper was also submitted to the FCC on the use of frequencies in the 5850 to 5925 range for short range communication systems such as safety and warning systems for accidents and automatic toll collection.

Inspection Blitz Finds Fewer Truck Defects

During Roadcheck '95 a 72-hour, U.S.-Canadian, roadside inspection "blitz," involving about 3,000 state and local enforcement officers at 290 sites June 20-22 the percentage of trucks put out of service for potentially hazardous conditions was the lowest ever, continuing a 10-year trend. Of 54,067 trucks inspected, 21.5 percent (11,612) were not permitted to continue until defects were corrected. "But while we are making progress, the fact that one out of every five trucks was put out of service demonstrates that we still have a way to go," said FHWA Administrator Rodney E. Slater. Inspectors also checked driver credentials, and they put 6.2 percent of the drivers out of service, mostly for driving beyond allowable time limits or for not recording logs properly. Also, 1,165 buses were inspected, and 13.2 percent of the buses and 4.2 percent of bus drivers were put out of service.

Citizen "Jury" Evaluates Traffic Congestion Pricing

Recently, a randomly chosen group of 24 Minnesotans acted as a "citizen jury" for a week to hear "evidence" and to recommend whether or not congestion pricing is a viable method for alleviating traffic congestion in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area. Jurors' comments and suggestions will be included in the final report of an independent national study on congestion pricing.

Shell Oil Auger Platform Receives Award

Shell Oil's Auger offshore drilling platform was selected as the 1995 Outstanding Civil Engineering Achievement by the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE). Measuring 1,000 meters tall, which is more than twice the height of the world's tallest building, the Auger tension leg platform in the Gulf of Mexico is the deepest offshore production facility in the United States and only the fourth of its kind in the world. ASCE recognized the Auger project for its complexity, innovative use of civil engineering technology, and benefit to the public.
- ASCE

Transportation Research Hotline Is Established

TransNow Transportation Northwest, a research center at the University of Washington recently created the Transportation Research Information Hotline (TRIHline), an easy-to-use service for anyone seeking up-to-date information on transportation facts and issues. The TRIHline (pronounced try-line) staff will research and answer questions or will refer the caller to an appropriate expert. TRIHline will tap many resources, including faculty and researchers at the University of Washington, University Transportation Centers, experts from government agencies and private firms, university libraries, the Internet, and regional and national newspapers and newsletters. TransNow is one of 10 regional centers of the national University Transportation Centers Program, sponsored by FHWA.
- TransNow

ITS America Clearinghouse Moves to Internet

As of Sept. 1, the only way to access the ITS America Information Clearinghouse will be through the World Wide Web (WWW) of Internet. Initially, the clearinghouse Web site will be free to the general public. After a few months, passwords will be distributed to clearinghouse members, and access to some databases and information will be available only to members. For more information about the Web site, call Kevin Hoffman at (202) 484-4847. For information regarding clearinghouse operations, call Burt Stephens at (202) 484 -4582.
- ITS America

ITS Core Infrastructure Is on Internet

Working cooperatively with ITS JPO, the Office of Traffic Management and ITS Applications has placed a description of the features of a core infrastructure for ITS on the Internet. These features are the basis for further development and implementation of ITS. This information is available through FHWA's WWW "home" page. The address for the home page is http://www.dot.gov/dotinfo/fhwa /its/its.html.

TFHRC Home | FHWA Home | Feedback United States Department of Transportation - Federal Highway Administration