Incident Management in Small to Medium-Sized Cities
Many large metropolitan areas have implemented Incident Management Systems (IMS) to alleviate congestion and safety problems associated with incidents. These systems provide motorists with timely and accurate information to avoid incident locations, and as a result, reduce potential delays. However, little is known about the possible benefits of IMS in smaller urban areas. This study examined the feasibility of implementing IMS in small-to-medium size urban areas using a case study of the I-29 corridor in Fargo, ND. Since an IMS was not available for evaluation, a traffic simulation model was used to assess the benefits of IMS. In the analysis, two main IM components were examined: traveler information and traffic control. Motorists would receive information about incident delays via various methods, such as VMS, and can therefore avoid incident locations. Enhanced traffic control and management would facilitate traffic operations on alternative routes and accommodate increased traffic. Indirectly and directly related to these is the institutional framework that would coordinate these activities to compare base cases to ITS enhanced cases. The INTEGRATION traffic simulation model was used to evaluate the impact of a 20-minute incident blocking one lane and estimate traffic delays with and without IMS. The case study analysis revealed that the combination of traveler information and traffic control/management provide the largest reduction in traffic delays. The case study analysis revealed that the combination ATIS and ATMS provided the most favorable network benefits under the 20-minute incident. The IMS reduced incident travel times by 13 percent (city arterials), 28 percent (freeways), and 18 percent (overall network); average trip times were reduced by 20 percent (overall network); and average speeds increased by 21 percent (overall network). North Dakota Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) for Commercial Vehicle Operations (CVO)The Advanced Traffic Analysis Center assisted the North Dakota Department of Transportation and the North Dakota Highway Patrol in developing an intelligent transportation systems commercial vehicle operations business plan. This plan will guide ITS/CVO deployment in North Dakota. Guided by a steering committee of state agencies and private motor carriers, the plan identifies critical issues related to current commercial vehicle operations in the state, including administrative process and registration. It also includes credentials, safety assurance and information/data needs. Opportunities for improving current systems are discussed in the plan. They include updating the existing registration and titling system, improving crash data collection and analysis. The opportunities also involve partnering with other states in the region, participating and taking advantage of opportunities within trade corridor consortiums. |
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Congestion on freeways, which adversely affects the economy, environment, and quality of life, continues to be a major problem in the United States. Minor incidents, such as traffic accidents, stalled vehicles, special events and road construction/maintenance account for the majority of urban freeway congestion.