Project Objective

The purpose of this investigation is to identify current guidelines, manuals, recommended practices, lesion learned, handbooks and other published materials encompassing ITS system administration, management and operations.

Project Abstract

ITS is a tool to improve and mange the transportation network effectively to meet growing demands for services. The Transportation Operation Center (TOC) is the heart of the ITS activities. The investment made on technology, infrastructure, and people all come together under the TOC operation, and maintaining efficiency of the TOC operation at peak-Level is the main goal. ITS operational support also has an added meaning of Traffic Signals Systems hardware (including loop detectors) and software components. These activities are key in the NJDOT programs.

ITS Systems, which include all network system electronic hardware and software and the associated functions and services they perform, must perform at a high level of efficiency for ITS benefits to be realized. These benefits can be attributed to a range of NJDOT goals such as improved public safety, effective incident management, real-time travel information, and smooth goods movement in the state. Without a properly administered TOC and efficiently operated TOC, such benefits couldn't be fully achieved.

TOCs must have an effective system administration in place, which will ensure proper readiness and functioning of systems and system components at all times, including software functionalities that deliver service continuously without frequent breakdowns.

Task Descriptions

Phase 1. Literature Search. In the past few years, the multitude of ITS research, operational tests, and deployment projects across the country and around the world have culminated into a significant amount of ITS information in the form of "Recommended ITS Practices" "Lessons, Learned from ITS Deployments", and "ITS Benefits". There are many published documents and reports issued by the United States Department of Transportation, Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE), the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO), and state DOTs that directly deal with NJDOT's goal at hand: How do we make our TOCs operationally efficient and plan for a better ITS future? This research project will tap directly into these resources.

As a first step, the researchers will prepare a summation of an extensive literature search and develop a project work plan as per the RFP requirements. We are in an excellent position to accomplish this step effectively because our team members have conducted similar research efforts and are familiar with published ITS documents currently available at organizations' web sites in an electronic formats. For example, we are familiar with all the TOCs currently in operation as well as specific contacts and the TOC functions they perform. In the work plan we will bring all these issues to the attention of the panel.

Student Involvement

This project will involve several graduate and Doctorial student in data collection, presentations, literature documentations and report preparation.

Relationship with Other Research Activities

None.

Technology Transfer Activities

Through this technology transfer effort, NJDOT will benefit from the analysis of relevant documented information, supplemented by site visits, and maintaining continuing contact with public agencies in many states. We believe that such a combination will provide NJDOT with an opportunity to develop an "Operational Plan" that not only will serve its internal purpose to guide staff, but will also be the one that is proven to work effectively at similar facilities in the country under real-world conditions.

Benefits of the Project

The researchers will begin Phase I work with a preliminary literature search that will supplement our current knowledge of the subject matters and awareness of field conditions. The researchers will also present the findings and recommend an appropriate research approach to conduct Phase II, Tasks 1 through 8 in the future.