|
ITS (Intelligent Transportation Systems) encompass a broad
range of wireless and wire-line communications-based information, control and
electronics technologies. When
integrated into transportation system infrastructure, these technologies can
help monitor and manage traffic flow, reduce congestion, provide information
to travelers, enhance productivity, and enhance safety and efficiency of the
roadway network. For example, the
wired and wireless devices the Traffic Operations Division uses to
communicate with our traffic signals is an ITS application as are the
preemption devices the Fire Department uses to change traffic signal
operations to give priority to their vehicles in emergency cases. Our traffic cameras are another example of
an ITS program.
In 2005, the third phase of the Traffic Management Center
ITS Plan was completed. The Traffic
Management Center ITS Plan was created in 2001 with the purpose of guiding
the evolution of the Traffic Management Center (TMC) into what it is
today. At this time, the Traffic
Operations Division of Public Works is in need of another guiding document.
In 2006 a strategic project and corresponding CIP project
(TR0603 Traffic Operations Plan) were developed. The first steps of the strategic project
were to create a request for proposals (RFP) document to receive input on the
approach potential firms would take in working with the department on the
creation of the plan. We felt that
this would help to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the firms before
recommending award of a contract.
Eight firms submitted RFP documents for evaluation. Three firms were short-listed, interviewed,
and a recommendation was made. The
Traffic Operations Division worked with the recommended firm to prepare the
proposal for Council’s consideration.
The scope of the project is to prepare a guiding document
that will direct the Traffic Operations Division for the next five
years. The deliverables include:
·
A communications system needs assessment and
recommendation
·
An assessment and identification of
transportation problems and needs
·
A determination of ITS options
·
An assessment of future operations and
staffing needs
·
A prioritized list of projects based on the
work of the consultant, staff, and stake holders
·
Defined functional requirements and system
architecture
The process of defining our functional requirements and
system architecture is an integral piece of this project, as it will ensure
that the City is eligible to receive future federal funding for the
continuance of this program in the future.
The first and most significant component of this project
was created to specifically address our existing ITS communications system.
This is the system we use to communicate with each intersection from the
TMC. Within 30 days after this
contract is awarded, the consultant will provide the department with an
assessment of the communications infrastructure and a technical memorandum
which will be used to begin the process of implementing the HGAC / TxDOT
grant to improve our communications system the department was awarded earlier
this year. The $1,675,000 grant will
fund 80 percent of the design and construction of the new communications
infrastructure. The 20 percent match
was budgeted for in the 2007 CIP.
With improved communications, we anticipate the study will
recommend ITS projects to address using adaptive traffic technology. Once complete, this project will enable our
traffic signals to adapt to traffic as it happens. Presently, our camera system and TMC
software accomplish this manually.
Presently there are more than 30 different traffic signal timing plans
for S.H. 6, the implementation of the smart corridors project will provide an
infinite number of constantly adapting traffic plans that will calibrate and
re-calibrate after each traffic signal cycle.
The system will tailor itself to meet demands as the need arises
automatically.
Naztec ITS Inc. is a Sugar Land firm and was selected by
the department via the RFP and interview process to be the consultant for
this project. The Traffic Operations
Division has been working with them since our beginnings. Naztec was selected in large part because
of the partnership they assembled to perform this project. Naztec brought in Cisco Systems and ARINC
to assist them with the Project. Cisco
Systems will provide expertise in the data management and transmission
assessment aspects of the project while ARINC will provide system assessment
expertise. Both firms have excellent
reputations in the information technology business. We are confident that this team will
provide the City with an excellent final product. The project is to be complete within eight
months from formal notice to proceed.
We hope to have many of the project recommendations ready for
inclusion in the 2008 - 2012 CIP.
Budgeted funding for the project is available in CIP No.
(TR0603 Traffic Operations Plan) with a project balance of $217,800. Additional funding in the amount of $14,641
is also available in CIP No. TR0604 to cover the remaining project balance.
|
