WTI

Automated Safety Warning System Controller, Phase II

Primary Investigator Contact Information

External Project Contact(s)

Report(s)

There are no reports associated with this project.

Project Objective

This project is a continuation of the prior phase of the Caltrans Automated Warning System Controller project. The goal is to conduct further research and development of an automated warning system controller that can be easily configured to acquire sensor data from Roadside Weather Information Systems (RWIS), detection loops, Remote Traffic Microwave Sensors (RTMS) and video detection systems, and to prepare the system for deployment in Caltrans.

Project Abstract

The demand for the deployment of automated warning systems will continue to increase as a lower cost alternative to major highway realignment for safety improvements. Caltrans recognizes that by acting now to develop a standard approach that considers maintenance, flexible implementation, reliability and communications issues, a multitude of one-of-a-kind deployments can be avoided. The benefits of standardization with regard to personnel training, equipment purchase and repair are well known within Caltrans. Development of this type of controller is totally consistent with the technical foundation defined in the Transportation Management System (TMS) Standardization Plan. The controller could be deployed in a wide variety of situations to mitigate safety problems. Applications such as ice detection and warning, wind warning, queue detection and warning would all be readily deployable. Portable systems could also be deployed in work zones for queue detection and warning. Currently, the requirement of custom controller software development is a significant barrier to automated system deployments. The availability of an "off the shelf" controller specifically designed to interoperate with standard TMS elements would tend to promote its use both within California and throughout the nation.

Task Descriptions

1. Pilot Testing
   1. In order to fully determine the utility of the system, pilot testing will be performed over several months in the field by Caltrans staff, under realistic circumstances. Ideally, this testing will be performed during winter or spring months in which the system would likely be used the most.
2. Project Management
   1. WTI will provide project management throughout all phases of the project and will communicate regularly with Caltrans re: project objectives and issues. WTI will submit quarterly status reports and will provide Caltrans with a final report for the entire project, as well as build and maintain a website for the project’s duration.
3. On-Going Development
   1. On-going development, hardening of system software and associated documentation are necessary to prepare the system for potential full corporate deployment. A staged or “spiral” approach to development consistent with Caltrans’ Stages of Research Deployment and Systems Engineering methodologies will be followed in subsequent development of the system. Feedback from prior evaluation and on-going feedback will be used to enhance the system and to maximize utility of the system.
4. Business Case Development
   1. The WTI project team will work with the project champion, project manager and other Caltrans staff to develop a business case for the full deployment of the Controller system. In conjunction with Business Case Development, the necessary information will be gathered for completion of a Feasibility Study Report (FSR). The purpose of the feasibility study is to allow agency management to assess the “full implications” of information technology projects.
5. Evaluation
   1. In conjunction with pilot testing, the project team will conduct a system evaluation. Criteria will include, but not limited to, technical performance, reliability, usability, maintainability, and security. This evaluation will not only assess the pilot system, but will assist Caltrans in determining next steps, including how to proceed with prospective deployment. The project team will work with the project champion and the project manager to develop an evaluation plan. An evaluation summary document will be submitted and is intended to detail the process followed in evaluation of the system. Included will be evaluation results/responses, evaluation instruments and the method in which they were administered.
6. Review Phase I Results
   1. Results from Phase I will be used to conduct a review of the system in terms of architecture and performance. Recommendations will be made to address identified architectural or performance issues. Phase I evaluation data will be reviewed to identify gaps in system functionality, particularly items described in the original project design that were deferred for subsequent maintenance and support. These gaps will be documented and recommendations will be made regarding resolution.

Milestones, Dates, Schedule

Student Involvement

True

Relationship to Other Research Projects

True

Technology Transfer Activities

True

Transportation Research Board Keywords

Control System, Intelligent Transportation Systems, Rural Transportation

Partners

California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), Caltrans District 2, Caltrans Division of Innovation